Izvorni znanstveni članak

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2025.64.03.12

Radial Nerve Injuries after Humeral Shaft Fracture – A Single Center Experience

Renata Hodžić orcid.org/0009-0000-3642-7215 ; Department of Neurology, Tuzla University Clinical Center, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mirsad Hodžić orcid.org/0009-0005-2960-2042 ; Department of Neurosurgery, Tuzla University Clinical Center, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Nedim Smajić ; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tuzla University Clinical Center, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

* Dopisni autor.

Sažetak

The radial nerve anatomical positioning as it wraps around the distal portion of
the humeral shaft in contact with the bone is the reason for its high incidence of injury during fracture.
Traumatic radial neuropathy regresses spontaneously, but in certain cases surgical intervention may be
necessary to achieve neurological recovery. The aim of this study was to present our experience in the
treatment of radial nerve injuries associated with humeral shaft fracture. We performed a retrospective
study of 20 cases of radial nerve injury after humeral fracture, all of which were managed surgically. We
evaluated several factors such as neurological status, electromyoneurography results, time of treatment,
surgical techniques, type of radial nerve surgery performed, and clinical outcomes. Our primary outcome
measure was the incidence of traumatic radial neuropathy, while secondary outcome was focused on
nerve recovery. Out of 166 operations for humeral shaft fractures performed during a ten-year period,
20 patients were identified for this study. The average age of patients was 32 (±22) years. The largest
number of fractures (83%) were initially stabilized by open reduction. The fractures were in the mid third
of the shaft in 11 (55%) cases and in distal third in 9 (45%) cases. Primary nerve injury was present in
15 (75%) patients, while iatrogenic radial nerve injury occurred in 5 (25%) patients. The mean DASH
score was 9±15, with 90% of patients regaining their previous level of physical activities. In conclusion,
in a shaft humeral fracture, radial nerve lesion symptoms may be seen and resolve in most cases. If neurological
symptoms do not improve, electromyoneurography can be employed to assess the degree of
nerve damage. Surgical intervention is indicated if there is no functional recovery after three months of
conservative management.

Ključne riječi

Traumatic radial neuropathy; Humeral shaft fracture; Surgical treatment

Hrčak ID:

342938

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/342938

Datum izdavanja:

30.9.2025.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 667 *