FREQUENCY OF RADIAL NERVE INJURY IN PATIENTS WITH CLOSED FRACTURE OF THE SHAFT OF HUMERUS

Abstract

Background:  

Humeral shaft fractures constitute approximately 1–3% of all fractures and are frequently complicated by radial nerve injury due to the close anatomical relationship between the radial nerve and humerus (Gallusser et al., 2021; Hendrickx et al., 2021). The reported incidence of radial nerve palsy ranges from 8–16%, with fracture configuration and trauma mechanism influencing its occurrence (Hegeman et al., 2020). However, limited local data are available from Quetta, Pakistan.

Objective:  

To determine the frequency of radial nerve injury in patients presenting with closed fractures of the shaft of the humerus.

Methods:  

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the orthopedic department of a tertiary care hospital in Quetta over six months. A total of 136 patients with radio graphically confirmed closed humeral shaft fractures were included using consecutive sampling. Radial nerve injury was assessed clinically. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and association between fracture type and radial nerve injury was assessed using chisquare test (p ≤ 0.05).

Results:  

Among 136 patients, the mean age was 34.7 ± 12.6 years. Radial nerve injury was observed in 18 (13.2%) patients. Spiral fractures showed the highest association with nerve injury (27.8%), followed by transverse fractures (11.4%). A statistically significant association was observed between fracture type and radial nerve injury (p = 0.03).

Conclusion:  

Radial nerve injury occurred in 13.2% of patients with closed humeral shaft fractures, with spiral fractures demonstrating the highest risk. Early identification and careful management are essential to improve functional outcomes.