A distal humerus fracture refers to a break in the lower end of the humerus bone, which is located in the upper arm. It's the bone that forms the elbow joint along with the radius and ulna of the forearm.

The radial nerve is one of the three main nerves in the arm, and it runs in close proximity to the humerus. Therefore, when there's a fracture of the humerus, particularly in the middle to distal third, there's a risk of injuring the radial nerve.

Symptoms of a Radial Nerve Injury:

Wrist drop: Inability to extend the wrist.

Numbness or tingling in the back of the hand and thumb.

Weakness in extending the fingers.

Management:

Fracture: The treatment of the humerus fracture will depend on the type, location, and severity. Some fractures may be treated conservatively with a sling or brace, while others might require surgery for fixation using plates and screws.

Radial nerve injury:

If the nerve is only stretched (neuropraxia), it usually recovers over time without any surgical intervention.

If the nerve is cut or severely damaged, surgical exploration and repair might be required.

In some cases, conservative management is chosen initially, monitoring for signs of nerve recovery.

Physical therapy is often recommended to maintain joint mobility and muscle tone while the nerve recovers.

свернуть