Acute ulnar neuropathy with fractures at the wrist

Abstract

Injury to the ulnar nerve associated with or following a fracture at the wrist is unusual. Three cases of this association are presented. Previously reported cases have been reviewed. The associated lesions tend to occur in young adults after higher-energy trauma and more dorsal displacement of the distal radial fragment than are generally seen in patients with Colles fractures. The return of function in the three wrists was related to the promptness and accuracy of reduction of the fracture and to the decompression of the ulnar nerve in Guyon's canal. We present a regimen for treatment of this injury stressing accurate reduction of the fracture and early surgical decompression when necessary.