Open AccessUlnar Nerve Palsy Following Fracture of the Distal Radius in an Adolescent: A Case Report
Author(s) -
Lu ChengChang,
Chuo ChinYi,
Chen ShenKai,
Huang YuHan,
Chou PeiHsi
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the kaohsiung journal of medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.439
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2410-8650
pISSN - 1607-551X
DOI - 10.1016/s1607-551x(09)70391-2
Subject(s) - medicine , ulnar nerve , wrist , neurovascular bundle , nerve injury , surgery , percutaneous pinning , fixation (population genetics) , anatomy , internal fixation , elbow , population , environmental health
In adolescents, neurovascular injury, especially ulnar nerve injury, is rare with fracture of the distal radius. We present a 14‐year‐old boy who sustained fracture of the distal radius in his right wrist, who also had symptoms of ulnar nerve injury. Close reduction with percutaneous pinning and cast to fix the distal radius fracture was done immediately. Then, we decided to observe the recovery of the nerve injury without providing any emergent nerve exploration. Bone union was achieved after 8 weeks of fixation, and the function of the ulnar nerve was restored completely after 16 weeks of observation. The possibility of ulnar nerve injury should be considered following fracture of the distal aspect of the radius, and we recommend observing the recovery of nerve injury, with no need for emergent nerve exploration.