ANTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS NERVE PALSY - A REVIEW OF 16 CASES

Sixteen patients with paralysis of the anterior interosseous nerve (AI N) in 19 limbs who were treated in a single unit were reviewed at a me an of 6.4 years (range 2-14 years) following onset of the paralysis. T here was a high incidence of incomplete lesions (seven limbs) and of a ssociated neurological lesions (six limbs) in the same or opposite upp er extremity. Patients treated conservatively and with surgical explor ation showed no difference in the time of onset of recovery, the time taken to achieve complete recovery or the extent of recovery. Those wi th incomplete lesions recovered well irrespective of the type of treat ment. A distinct cause of compression of the ALN or visible changes in the AIN mere seen in just three of the eight limbs that were explored . Surgery is indicated in complete lesions with no evidence of recover y for at least 6 months; incomplete lesions and other neurological sig ns are indications for conservative management in the first instance.