K. Sairyo et al., RADIAL NERVE PALSY ASSOCIATED WITH SLIGHTLY ANGULATED PEDIATRIC SUPRACONDYLAR HUMERUS FRACTURE, Journal of orthopaedic trauma, 11(3), 1997, pp. 227-229
This report reviews a case of radial nerve palsy associated with a sup
racondylar fracture of the right humerus. The patient was a four-year-
old boy. Radiographs of the injury showed simple extension and a sligh
tly angulated fracture. Complete radial nerve palsy was observed at th
e first consultation. After three months of conservative treatment wit
hout any obvious improvement, an operative exploration of the right ra
dial nerve was conducted. Intraoperatively, the nerve was found to be
transected, with both ends of the ruptured nerve buried in scar tissue
at the fracture site. Five months after the nerve suture operation, t
he palsy was cured completely. This case shows that even a minimal dis
placement fracture can be associated with severe nerve injury that req
uires surgical treatment.