ANTERIOR INTEROSSEUS NERVE INJURY FOLLOWING ELBOW ARTHROSCOPY

Elbow arthroscopy is becoming an increasingly invaluable tool for both evaluation of and treatment of a variety of interarticular disease pr ocesses. Case reports have documented radial and posterior interosseus injuries following anterior capsular release. To date, this is the fi rst report of an anterior interosseus nerve injury following arthrosco pic surgery of the elbow. Arthroscopic surgery offers unparalleled vis ualization of the multiple articulations and facets of the elbow. It h as been reported as useful for removal of loose bodies, synovectomy, r elease of arthrofibrosis, and the treatment of osteochondritis dessica ns. However, the technique does require thorough knowledge of neurovas cular structures about the elbow as well as appreciation of the protec tive layers including the capsule, brachialis, and brachioradialis mus cles. This report documents direct injury to the anterior interosseus branch of the median nerve during an elbow debridement and synovectomy in a 65-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis.