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. 2017 Apr;12(1):19-25.
doi: 10.1007/s11751-016-0271-5. Epub 2016 Dec 1.

Subjective ulnar nerve dysfunction commonly following open reduction, internal fixation (ORIF) of distal humeral fractures and in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve

Birgitta Svernlöv  1   2 , Jens Nestorson  3   4 , Lars Adolfsson  3   4
Affiliations

Subjective ulnar nerve dysfunction commonly following open reduction, internal fixation (ORIF) of distal humeral fractures and in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve

Birgitta Svernlöv et al. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr. 2017 Apr.

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the frequency of persistent ulnar affection in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal humeral fractures without ulnar nerve transposition or mobilisation. Eighty-two patients (53 women), mean age 62 years, were, at a mean of 48 months, reviewed through medical records and a subjective evaluation form concerning ulnar nerve problems. Ulnar nerve affliction, in most cases regarded as mild, was experienced by 22 patients (27%; 14 women) and significantly associated with multiple surgeries. Three patients had been operated with late neurolysis and one with transposition without reported improvement. The proportion of ulnar nerve dysfunction was equally common regardless of medial or lateral plating. ORIF with plate fixation and without ulnar nerve transposition seems to be an acceptable option for patients with distal humeral fractures. The frequency of ulnar nerve affection in our series does not appear higher than previously reported. Subjective ulnar nerve symptoms were, however, relatively common and appear related to the trauma itself, the surgery, or the post-operative management which highlights the need for further analysis of these factors.

Keywords: Dellon; Fracture; Humeral; McGowan; ORIF; Transposition.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

Dr Adolfsson reports personal fees from AO Foundation, personal fees from DePuy Synthes, personal fees from Acumed, outside the submitted work.

Ethical standards

The study design was approved by the IRB and conducted accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Informed consent

A proper written and informed consent was taken from all the participants.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The subjective patient rated questionnaire concerning possible ulnar nerve affliction based on the systems by McGowan and Dellon [30, 31]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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