PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of using ultrasonography (US) for eva
luation of a radial nerve injury associated with humeral shaft fracture.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 11 consecutive patients with
sensorimotor radial deficiency after distal humeral fracture were evaluate
d with conventional radiography, US, electroneurography, and electromyograp
hy. Surgical repair of the fracture and nerve inspection were performed in
five patients. The remaining six patients were successfully treated conserv
atively. The US appearance of the radial nerve was studied in 10 healthy vo
lunteers and in the noninjured arm of the 11 patients for comparison.
RESULTS: In five patients, US findings of a severely damaged radial nerve w
ere confirmed at surgical nerve inspection. In one patient, the nerve was e
ntrapped between fragments. One patient had a complete nerve dissection, on
e had a lacerated nerve from a loose compression plate, and one had a nerve
riding on the edge of a bone fragment. In the fifth patient who underwent
surgical inspection, the nerve was buried in the callus. in the six patient
s treated conservatively, US showed continuity of the nerve.
CONCLCUSION: US may be useful for accurate evaluation of the radial nerve i
n patients with nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture.