Elbow Arthroscopy: Pearls to Avoid Nerve Injuries.

Elbow arthroscopy is a useful tool that can be applied in a variety of surgical indications. However, performing the procedure safely demands a thorough understanding of the proximity of neurovascular structures around the elbow. Although nerve injuries in elbow arthroscopy are rare, complications can further be avoided by adhering to a set of principles designed to protect the surrounding neurovascular structures. Before making portals, the surgeon should palpate and mark the ulnar nerve to confirm its location in the groove. Next, the joint should be insufflated with fluid to distend the joint capsule and increase the distance between instruments and the anterior neurovascular structures. Anterior portals ideally should be made proximal to the medial and lateral epicondyles, thereby increasing distance from the median and radial nerve, respectively. Once in the joint, it is critical to stay oriented by maintaining instruments and the articular surfaces in the same view. Special caution should be exercised when in proximity to the capsule in the posteromedial gutter to protect the ulnar nerve. Similarly, the anterior inferior capsule should be approached with caution, as its violation puts branches of the radial nerve, specifically the posterior interosseous nerve, at risk. Elbow arthroscopy can be safely performed with proper knowledge and application of anatomy around the elbow when making portals and understanding at-risk areas beyond the capsule when working within the joint.

Superficial Branch of the Radial Nerve Versus Sural Nerve Grafting After Traumatic Adult Brachial Plexus Injury.

The purpose of this study was to compare two sources of nerve graft for brachial plexus reconstruction: the denervated superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) and the sural nerve. Ninety-seven patients who underwent brachial plexus reconstruction with denervated SBRN nerve (24 patients with 24 grafts) or with sural nerve grafting (73 patients with 83 nerve grafts) were included. The two groups were compared with respect to postoperative muscle reinnervation, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores. In the SBRN group, only four (17%) of the nerve grafts provided grade III or higher muscle function. In the sural nerve group, 31 (37%) of the nerve grafts provided grade III or higher muscle function. Smoking had a negative impact on muscle recovery. Denervated SBRN grafts are associated with inferior outcomes when compared with sural nerve grafts in the treatment of traumatic adult brachial plexus injuries. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(2):080-083, 2024).

Systematic review of humeral shaft fracture (OTA/AO 12) complicated with iatrogenic radial nerve injury.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the iatrogenic radial nerve injury (iRNI) rate of different implant (plate vs. intramedullary nail) and surgical approaches during humeral shaft fracture surgery. METHODS: The online PubMed database was used to search for articles describing iRNI after humeral fracture with a publication date from Jan 2000 to October 2023. The following types of articles were selected: (1) case series associating with adult humeral shaft fracture, preoperative radial nerve continuity, non-pathological fracture and non-periprosthetic fracture; (2) involving humeral shaft (OTA/AO 12) fractures. Articles where we were unable to judge surgical approach or fracture pattern (OTA/AO 12) were excluded. The data were analyzed by SPSS 27.0 and Chi-square test was performed to identify incidence of iRNI associated with different implant and surgical approaches. RESULTS: Fifty-four articles with 5063 cases were included, with 3510 cases of the plate, 830 cases of intramedullary nail and 723 cases of uncertain internal fixation. The incidences of iRNI with plate and intramedullary nail were 5.95% (209/3510) and 2.77% (23/830) (p < 0.05). And iRNI incidences of different surgical approaches were 3.7% (3/82) for deltopectoral approach, 5.74% (76/1323) for anterolateral approach, 13.54% (26/192) for lateral approach and 6.68% (50/749) for posterior approach. The iRNI rates were 0.00% (0/33) for anteromedial MIPO, 2.67% (10/374) for anterolateral MIPO and 5.40% (2/37) for posterior MIPO (p > 0.05). The iRNI rates were 2.87% (21/732) for anterograde intramedullary nail and 2.04% (2/98) for retrograde intramedullary nail (p > 0.05). In humeral bone nonunion surgery, the rate of iRNI was 15.00% (9/60) for anterolateral approach, 16.7% (2/12) for lateral approach and 18.2% (6/33) for posterior approach (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing is the preferred method of internal fixation for humeral shaft fractures that has the lowest rate of iRNI. Compared with anterolateral and posterior approaches, the lateral surgical approach had a higher incidence of iRNI. The rate of iRNI in MIPO was lower than that in open reduction and internal fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

In cases of humeral diaphyseal fractures, is lateral approach surgery without radial nerve exploration as effective and safe as conventional surgery?

BACKGROUND: This study compares the efficacy and safety of lateral approach surgery with and without radial nerve dissection in treating humeral diaphyseal fractures. It assesses clinical, radiological, and complication outcomes, providing a description of the surgical methods and perioperative benefits. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 71 patients admitted between May 2015 and December 2022 who underwent lateral approach surgery for humeral diaphyseal fractures. Group 1, consisting of 34 patients without radial nerve dissection, and Group 2, comprising 37 patients with radial nerve dissection, were compared. Parameters such as age, gender, fracture side (right/left), fracture type, follow-up time, surgical duration, blood loss, radiological and clinical evaluations (including Shoulder-Elbow range of motion [ROM] and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score [Q-DASH]), and complications were examined. Surgical techniques and outcomes were documented. RESULTS: Both groups exhibited comparable distributions in age, gender, fracture types, and follow-up times (p>0.05). Group 1 demonstrated significantly lower surgical duration and blood loss compared to Group 2 (p<0.05 for both). Clinical assessment revealed satisfactory shoulder and elbow ROM within functional limits for all patients, with no instances of infection. Q-DASH scores were similar between groups. Postoperative radial nerve palsy occurred in one patient in Group 1 and three patients in Group 2, with all cases resolving uneventfully during outpatient follow-ups. Radiological assessment confirmed uneventful union in all patients. CONCLUSION: Lateral approach surgery without radial nerve dissection for humeral diaphyseal fractures offers comparable effectiveness and safety to conventional surgery, with potential perioperative advantages such as reduced operation time and blood loss.

Radial Nerve Palsy in the Setting of Humeral Shaft Fracture.

The upper limb has a complex anatomy comprised of many nerve and vascular structures, making humeral shaft fractures extremely important. Injury to the humeral shaft commonly occurs due to trauma and affects younger male or older female patients. The radial nerve travels along the spiral groove of the humerus, placing it at an increased risk of damage in humeral shaft fractures. If injured, there are a variety of classifications of radial nerve injury, different indications for exploration, and treatment methods that orthopedic surgeons have available in treating these injuries. This review aims to discuss the etiology of humeral shaft fracture-associated radial nerve palsy, tools for diagnosis, and treatment.

Radial neuropathy.

Radial neuropathy is the third most common upper limb mononeuropathy after median and ulnar neuropathies. Muscle weakness, particularly wrist drop, is the main clinical feature of most cases of radial neuropathy, and an understanding of the radial nerve's anatomy generally makes localizing the lesion straightforward. Electrodiagnosis can help confirm a diagnosis of radial neuropathy and may help with more precise localization of the lesion. Nerve imaging with ultrasound or magnetic resonance neurography is increasingly used in diagnosis and is important in patients lacking a history of major arm or shoulder trauma. Radial neuropathy most often occurs in the setting of trauma, although many other uncommon causes have been described. With traumatic lesions, the prognosis for recovery is generally good, and for patients with persistent deficits, rehabilitation and surgical techniques may allow substantial functional improvement.

Diagnosis and treatment approach of delayed presentation of anterior branch axillary nerve injury following shoulder dislocation: case report.

In this case report, a unique instance of delayed isolated anterior branch axillary nerve injury following shoulder dislocation is highlighted. The patient, a 55-year-old manual laborer, presented with severe deltoid wasting and reduced power 18 months postdislocation, necessitating a specialized treatment approach. The use of axillary nerve neurolysis and an innovative upper trapezius to anterior deltoid transfer via a subacromial path posterior to the clavicle, facilitated by an autologous semitendinosus graft, resulted in significant improvement with 160 degrees of abduction and Grade 4+ power Medical Research Council grading (MRC) at the 5-year follow-up.

Timing of surgery in peripheral nerve injury of the upper extremity.

Peripheral nerve injuries present a complex clinical challenge, requiring a nuanced approach in surgical management. The consequences of injury vary, with sometimes severe disability, and a risk of lifelong pain for the individual. For late management, the choice of surgical techniques available range from neurolysis and nerve grafting to tendon and nerve transfers. The choice of technique utilized demands an in-depth understanding of the anatomy, patient demographics and the time elapsed since injury for optimized outcomes. This paper focuses on injuries to the radial, median and ulnar nerves, outlining the authors' approach to these injuries.Level of evidence: IV.

[Reconstruction of painful neuroma of superficial branch of radial nerve after first dorsal compartment release: presentation of two cases]. / Reconstrucción de neuroma de nervio radial superficial con injerto autólogo de nervio sural: presentación de dos casos.

INTRODUCTION: nerve lesions are potentially catastrophic injuries. They can cause motor loss, severe pain and neuroma formation. The superficial branch of the radial nerve is at risk during first dorsal compartment release, its injury can cause neuroma formation. Autologous nerve reconstruction is the gold standard for treatment of small nerve gaps. CASES PRESENTATION: we present two cases of adult women (F/47 y F/51) with a prior history of first dorsal compartment release in another institution. Both patients developed debilitating neuropathic pain, as well as allodynia in the surgical site. They were diagnosed with superficial radial nerve neuroma. Oral medication and physical therapy was attempted without success. Surgical exploration and autologous nerve reconstruction was performed. Both patients had excellent relief of pain from visual analogue scale (VAS 9-10 to VAS 1-2). Postoperatively, both patients recovered partial sensitivity to pain in the zones distal to the repair. CONCLUSIONS: neuromas are feared complications that occur with unrecognized nerve lesions during surgery, they are difficult to treat and require multidisciplinary management. These two cases demonstrate that autologous nerve reconstruction is an excellent option for recovering function in small gaps of nerve tissue.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las lesiones iatrogénicas de nervio son complicaciones devastadoras de cualquier procedimiento quirúrgico. Ocasionan pérdida motora, dolor y formación de neuromas. En el abordaje para la liberación del primer compartimiento extensor de la muñeca, la rama superficial del nervio radial debe identificarse y protegerse previo a la liberación tendinosa. La lesión de este nervio sensitivo puede ocasionar dolor postoperatorio clínicamente significativo. La reconstrucción nerviosa con nervio autólogo ha demostrado en diversos escenarios buenos resultados para mejorar el dolor y recuperar la conducción nerviosa. PRESENTACIÓN DE LOS CASOS: se presentan dos casos de mujeres adultas (F/47 y F/51) con antecedente de liberación de primer compartimiento dorsal de muñeca en otro centro hospitalario. Desarrollaron posteriormente dolor incapacitante y alodinia en sitio quirúrgico, así como limitación funcional. Fueron evaluadas y diagnosticadas como neuroma de rama superficial del nervio radial. No hubo mejoría con terapia física, por lo que se realizó reconstrucción nerviosa con injerto autólogo de nervio sural. Ambas pacientes tuvieron alivio del dolor de EVA 9-10 hasta EVA 1-2. A los cuatro meses de seguimiento, las dos mujeres recuperaron parcialmente la sensibilidad distal al sitio del neuroma, sin recurrencia del dolor presentado. CONCLUSIONES: los neuromas son complicaciones devastadoras que ocurren con lesiones inadvertidas de nervios motores y sensitivos. La reconstrucción con nervio autólogo es una excelente opción para reconstrucción de pequeños tramos de nervio periférico.

Lesiones iatrogénicas del nervio radial en la osteosíntesis de la diáfisis humeral / Intraoperative iatrogenic injury of the radial nerve in humerus osteosynthesis

Introducción: Los objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar la incidencia de lesión iatrogénica intraquirúrgica del nervio radial durante la osteosíntesis de la diáfisis y el extremo distal del húmero, distinguir factores de riesgos asociados y reconocer elementos pronósticos que participan de su recuperación. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó, en forma retrospectiva, a 82 pacientes con osteosíntesis de húmero entre 2005 y 2021, sin parálisis radial preoperatoria. Se consideraron los sistemas de fijación utilizados, y se compararon las cirugías primarias con las reoperaciones y el tiempo transcurrido entre estas. El diagnóstico de parálisis radial posoperatorio fue clínico. Todos los pacientes fueron tratados con férula en extensión de muñeca, electroestimulación, kinesiología y vitaminas B1, B6, B12. La electromiografía se solicitó a los fines del pronóstico. Resultados: Nueve pacientes tuvieron déficit motor del nervio radial en el posoperatorio inmediato. El sistema de fijación era una placa (7 casos), sistema de cable-placa (1 caso) y clavo endomedular acerrojado anterógrado (1 caso). Siete ocurrieron en cirugías primarias y dos en reoperaciones. El 88% recuperó su función motora completamente antes de los 6 meses después de la parálisis. La electromiografía reveló un nervio radial no excitable en el 22% restante con parálisis definitiva. Conclusiones: El uso de placa de osteosíntesis, la disección intraoperatoria del nervio radial y las reoperaciones aumentan la incidencia de parálisis. Un nervio radial no excitable se relaciona con un peor pronóstico de recuperación espontánea. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of intraoperative iatrogenic radial nerve injury after osteosynthesis of the diaphysis and distal end of the humerus, identify associated risk factors, and determine the prognostic factors involved in its recovery. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively assessed 82 humerus osteosynthesis cases between 2005 and 2021 who had normal radial nerve function before surgery. We evaluated the fixation systems used, the type of surgery (primary versus revision), and the intervals between surgeries. The diagnosis of postoperative radial palsy was made by clinical examination. All patients were treated with wrist extension splint, physiotherapy, and vitamins B1, B6, and B12. Results: After humerus fixation, 9 patients developed motor palsy. Seven cases were fixed with plates, one with a cable-plate system, and one with an anterograde locking intramedullary nail. Seven cases (22%) occurred after primary procedures, while two occurred during revisions. Within 6 months, 88% had regained full motor function. In the remaining 22% of patients with definite palsy, electromyography revealed no excitability of the radial nerve. Conclusions: The use of an osteosynthesis plate, as well as intraoperative dissection and neurolysis of the radial nerve, were identified as risk factors for the development of radial palsy. Reoperations on the humerus, on the other hand, are a risk factor that increases the likelihood of postoperative radial nerve palsy. A radial nerve with no excitability on the postoperative electromyogram has a poor prognosis of spontaneous radial nerve function recovery. Level of Evidence: IV

Lesión de la rama anterior del nervio interóseo posterior / Injury of the anterior branch of the posterior interosseous nerve

Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome del nervio interóseo posterior, rama del nervio radial a nivel del antebrazo se caracteriza por la pérdida de función motora de algunos o todos los músculos inervados distalmente. Caso clínico: Masculino de 26 años con antecedente de fractura de radio proximal manejado con osteosíntesis que cursó con lesión del nervio radial siete años antes con recuperación completa, acude con dolor intenso a 4 cm distal a cabeza radial, acompañado de parálisis del extensor largo y corto del pulgar y del abductor del pulgar, con paresia del extensor propio del índice, en el que se efectúa diagnóstico de síndrome de atrapamiento de la rama anterior descendente del nervio interóseo posterior (SNIP). Discusión: El manejo conservador del SNIP está indicado durante las primeras ocho a 12 semanas, de no mostrar mejoría la indicación de exploración quirúrgica está indicada, siendo el retiro de material de osteosíntesis controvertido.

Abstract: Introduction: Posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, a branch of the radial nerve at the level of the forearm, is characterized by the motor function loss of some or all of the muscles innervated distally. Clinical case: A 26-year-old male with a history of proximal radius fracture associated to radial nerve injury, treated with osteosynthesis 7 years earlier, with full recovery, who currently presented intense pain 4 cm distal to the radial head, accompanied by paralysis of Extensor pollicis longus , Extesnor pollicis brevis and Abductor pollicis longus, with paresis of the Extensor indicis propius , in which a diagnosis of entrapment syndrome of the anterior descending branch of the posterior interosseous nerve (SNIP) was performed. Discussion: The conservative management of SNIP is indicated during the first 8-12 weeks, if no improvement is found, the indication for surgical exploration is indicated, and the removal of osteosynthesis material is controversial.

Abordaje anterior limitado del codo para la reducción abierta y fijación interna de las fracturas del capitellum. Técnica quirúrgica y experiencia clínica en 2casos con más de 2 años de seguimiento / The limited anterior approach of the elbow for open reduction and internal fixation of capitellum fractures. Surgical technique and clinical experience in 2 cases with more than 2 years follow-up

Objetivo. Las fracturas que afectan al capitellum pueden ser tratadas quirúrgicamente mediante escisión del fragmento, o mediante reducción y fijación interna con tornillos con o sin cabeza. El abordaje lateral de Kocher es el más usado para la reducción abierta. Creemos que el abordaje anterior limitado del codo podría ser una opción válida para tratar este tipo de fracturas, ya que no implica la desinserción de ningún grupo muscular ni de ningún ligamento y facilita la colocación anteroposterior de los tornillos, que ha demostrado ser biomecánicamente superior. Material y método. Describimos la técnica quirúrgica y evaluamos los resultados en 2casos clínicos con una fractura de tipo 1 de Bryan y Morrey (tipo 1A de Dubberley) mediante evolución clínica y radiológica. Dos cuestionarios diferentes sobre calidad de vida fueron realizados por teléfono: el EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) y la porción contestada por el paciente del Liverpool Elbow Score (PAQ-LES). Resultados. Los 2pacientes presentaron una evolución clínica favorable a los 36 y 24 meses, respectivamente con un arco de movimiento de extensión/flexión de −5°/145° y −10°/145°, así como una pronosupinación de 85°/80° y de 90°/90°. Los 2pacientes presentaron consolidación radiológica sin signos de osteonecrosis, con el EQ-5D de 0,857 y 0,910 (rango: 0,36-1) y el PAQ-LES de 35 y 35 (rango: 17-36), respectivamente. Conclusiones. Creemos que el abordaje anterior limitado del codo es una opción técnica que tener en cuenta en caso de decidirse un tratamiento quirúrgico abierto de una fractura de capitellum, si bien necesitamos de estudios posteriores que demuestren su superioridad y seguridad clínica con respecto al abordaje clásico lateral de Kocher (AU)

Objective. Fractures involving the capitellum can be treated surgically by excision of the fragment, or by reduction and internal fixation with screws, with or without heads. The lateral Kocher approach is the most common approach for open reduction. We believe that the limited anterior approach of the elbow, could be a valid technique for treating these fractures, as it does not involve the detachment of any muscle group or ligament, facilitating the recovery process. Material and method. A description is presented of the surgical technique, as well as of 2cases with a Bryan-Morrey type 1 fracture (Dubberley type 1A). Two different final quality of life evaluation questionnaires were completed by telephone: the EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D), and the patient part of the Liverpool Elbow Score (PAQ-LES) questionnaire. Results. The 2patients showed favourable clinical progress at 36 and 24 months, respectively, with an extension/flexion movement arc of −5°/145° and −10°/145°, as well as a pronosupination of 85°/80° and 90°/90°. The 2patients showed radiological consolidation with no signs of osteonecrosis. The EQ-5D score was 0.857 and 0.910 (range: 0.36-1), and a PAQ-SLE of 35 and 35 (range: 17-36), respectively. Conclusions. We believe that the limited anterior approach of the elbow is a technical option to consider for the open surgical treatment of a capitellum fracture, although further studies are needed to demonstrate its superiority and clinical safety compared to the classical lateral Kocher approach (AU)

Inervación sensitiva de la porción dorsomedial de la mano por parte del nervio radial como variante de la normalidad: lesión traumática de esta rama anómala / Sensory innervation of the dorsomedial segment of the hand due to the radial nerve as deviation from normal: traumatic injury of this anomalous branch

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Radial nerve injury associated with humeral shaft fracture: a retrospective study

Objective: To determine the profile of patients with humeral diaphyseal fractures in a tertiary hospital. Methods: We conducted a survey from January 2010 to July 2012, including data from patients classified under humeral diaphyseal fracture (S42.3) according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The variables analyzed were: age, gender, presence of radial nerve injury, causal agent and the type of treatment carried out. Results: The main causes of trauma were car accidents. The radial nerve lesion was present in some cases and was caused by the same trauma that caused the fracture or iatrogenic injury. Most of these fractures occurred in the middle third of humeral diaphysis and was treated conservatively. Conclusion: The profile of patients with fracture of humeral shaft, in this specific sample, was composed mainly of adult men involved in traffic accidents; the associated radial nerve lesion was present in most of these fractures and its cause was strongly related to the trauma mechanism. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

Resultados do reparo cirúrgico tardio das lesões traumáticas do nervo radial / Results of late repair of radial nerve traumatic injuries

Introdução: As lesões traumáticas do nervo radial podem ocasionar a disfunção de membros superiores devido à incapacidade de extensão do cotovelo, punho, mão e dedos, cujo resultado depende da gravidade da lesão, técnica cirúrgica, causa do trauma e tempo de cirurgia. Método: Apresentamos os resultados de 18 indivíduos submetidos ao tratamento tardio das lesões do nervo radial, realizado no período de 2001 a 2007, com o tempo de lesão menor que 15 meses e submetidos a reparação neural. Resultados: A média do tempo de seguimento foi de 48 meses. A recuperação motora satisfatória foi obtida em 90% dos casos submetidos à cirurgia. A recuperação funcional ocorreu em todos os casos submetidos à cirurgia, seja por epineurólise, neurorrafia epineural primária e, em um caso de insucesso, foi obtida a recuperação funcional com a transferência de tendão.

Introduction: Traumatic injuries of radial nerve lead to a dysfunction of upper extremities caused by elbow and wrist extension and finger grip inabilities, which depend on injury severity, surgical technique and trauma surgery time span. Methods: We present results from 18 subjects with late treatment of radial nerve injuries submitted to surgery during the period from 2001 to 2007, with injury time before then 15 months and submitted to neural repair. Results: The average follow up time is 48 month. A satisfactory motor repair was obtained in 90% of cases submitted to surgery. Functional recovery accessed in all cases submitted to surgery, either by epineurolysis, primary epineural repair and one case was obtained functional recovery with a tendon transfer.

Questionário para avaliação funcional da mão em lesão de nervos / Questionnaire to evaluate hand function in nerve lesions

OBJETIVO: elaborar um questionário de avaliação funcional para analisar as dificuldades manuais encontradas na realização de atividades cotidianas de indivíduos ocidentais adultos com lesão dos nervos ulnar, mediano ou radial.MÉTODO: foi realizada entrevista com 50 pessoas, idade entre 21 e 65 anos, portadoras de lesão nos nervos ulnar, mediano ou radial para identificar as dificuldades manuais ao realizar as tarefas cotidianas. Em seguida, seis cirurgiões de mão e nove terapeutas de mão, analisaram as tarefas listadas pelos entrevistados e as classificaram em níveis de importância para uma avaliação funcional das mãos. Posteriormente, o questionário foi elaborado baseado nessa classificação.RESULTADOS: o "Questionário de avaliação da mão com lesão de nervo" é constituído por 30 questões objetivas divididas em domínios de tarefas (vestuário, alimentação, higiene pessoal, tarefas domésticas, escrita, uso de computador e atividades diversas). As respostas são atribuídas de acordo com o grau de dificuldade na realização das tarefas listadas no instrumento. O questionário foi respondido por 32 pessoas com idade entre 18 e 65 anos apresentando sequela de hanseníase. O cálculo do alfa de Cronbach foi utilizado para avaliar a confiabilidade do instrumento. Após a remoção de duas questões relacionadas ao uso de computador, o resultado do alfa de Cronbach aumentou para 0,90.CONCLUSÃO: o "Questionário de avaliação da mão com lesão de nervo" apresenta alta consistência interna. Além disso, é conciso, de fácil preenchimento não necessitando a presença de profissional especializado para sua aplicação e permite a verificação do nível de independência do indivíduo com lesão de nervo periférico na mão na realização de suas tarefas habituais.

OBJECTIVE: to develop a functional evaluation questionnaire to limitations in hand function by western adults individuals with lesions of the ulnar, median or radial nerves in their routine tasks.DESIGN: an interview was conducted with 50 patients of 21-65 years of age with ulnar, median and radial nerve lesions to identify any manual difficulties in their performance of routine daily tasks. Six hand surgeons and nine hand therapists then analyzed the tasks listed by the patients and graded them in levels of importance for the evaluation of hand function, after which a questionnaire based on this classification was drawn up.RESULTS: the instrument Evaluation of Hand with Nerve Damage Questionnaire, consists of 30 objective questions divided into task domains (dressing, feeding, personal hygiene, housework, writing, use of computers and "others"), answers being classified according to degree of difficulty. The questionnaire was completed by 32 patients of 18-65 years of age with sequelae of Hansen's disease. Cronbach's coefficient alpha was used to assess the reliability of the instrument. Following removal of two questions regarding computer use, Cronbach's coefficient alpha increased to 0.90.CONCLUSION: the Evaluation of Hand with Nerve Damage Questionnaire shows a high internal consistency. In addition it is concise, easy to fill instrument not requiring specialized professional to apply and allows evaluation of the degree of independence of the individual with peripheral nerve lesion in the hand in performing routine daily tasks.

A novel technique leading to complete sensory and motor recovery across a long peripheral nerve gap

Sensory nerve grafts are the [quot ]gold standard[quot ] for inducing neurological recovery in peripheral nerves with a gap. However, the effectiveness of sensory nerve grafts is variable, generally not leading to complete sensory and motor recovery, with good recovery limited to gaps shorter than 2 cm, and the extent of recovery decreasing with increasing graft length. An alternative technique using a conduit filled with pure fibrin to bridge a nerve gap leads to only limited neurological recovery. We tested the effectiveness of a novel nerve repair technique in which a 5-cm long radial nerve gap was repaired using two sural nerve graft surrounded by a collage tube filled with pure fibrin. By 1 1/2 years post surgery, the patient recovered complete sensory and motor function. In conclusion, this study suggests that the combination of pure fibrin surrounding sural nerve grafts is responsible for inducing the extensive neurological recovery induced by either pure fibrin or sural grafts alone. This technique is presently being tested in a clinical trial.

Transferencias tendinosas en lesiones del nervio radial con la técnica de Brand modificada. Descripción de la técnica quirúrgica y los resultados. Enero de 1997–julio de 2003. Hospital Militar Central / Tendon transfers in radial nerve injury with modified technique Brand. Description of surgical technique and results. January 1997-July 2003. Central Military Hospita

Estudio observacional prospectivo tipo serie de casos realizado entre enero de 1997 y julio de 2003 en el Hospital Militar Central, fueron tratados 108 pacientes con lesión irreversible del nervio radial de etiología diversa, con un seguimiento promedio de 53 meses. Se evaluaron función, retorno a las actividades diarias y complicaciones asociadas. Se encontraron como complicaciones: Una ruptura tendinosa que requirió tenorrafia, y un paciente que presentó un síndrome doloroso regional complejo. El 93% de los pacientes regresaron a sus actividades diarias acorde a evaluación con cuestionario DASH. El 98% de los casos recuperaron la función perdida de extensión de la muñeca, de los dedos, y la actitud del pulgar para el agarre. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la transferencia de Brand modificada es un excelente método para recuperar la función de la mano en la lesión severa del nervio radial.