Iatrogenic Supraclavicular Nerve Injuries in Surgical Treatment of Clavicle Fractures

Incidence and pattern of disturbed sensitivity in the zone of surgical intervention was studied in 24 patients with clavicle fractures. Traumatic damage of supraclavicular nerve (not related to surgery) was observed only in 1 case. Disturbance of sensitivity in the zone of surgical intervention was noted in 21 (87.5%) patients. Mean area of anesthesia made up 44.5±29.3 cm2 (from 8.0 to 125.5 cm2). That complication developed at both horizontal and vertical surgical approaches. Intraoperatively supraclavicular nerves were visualized and preserved in 6 patients however disturbed sensitivity in early postoperative period was observed in 4 cases. Preventive isolation of supraclavicular nerves does not always ensure the preservation of sensitivity in early postoperative period.