Case Reports
Ulnar Nerve Palsy Following Closed Radiocarpal Fracture-Dislocation
Am J Orthop. 2008 August;37(8):E138-E140
Author and Disclosure Information
Christopher J. Wilson, MD, Amber B. Aragon, MD, and Allan C. Smith, MD
Dr. Wilson is former Hand Fellow, Dr. Aragon is Orthopaedic Resident, and Dr. Smith is Hand Surgery Staff, Orthopaedic Surgery Service, Integrated Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC.
Abstract not available. Introduction provided instead.
Distal radius fractures are common injuries. Transient median nerve symptoms are often associated with these fractures and with other trauma about the distal forearm and radiocarpal joint. Ulnar nerve palsy, however, is seldom associated with this type of injury. Treatment varies from watchful waiting (with expectant recovery) to early versus delayed neurolysis to nerve grafting.1-11 We describe the case of a patient with immediate ulnar nerve palsy secondary to a closed high-energy radiocarpal fracture-dislocation. We detail our treatment and also review the literature.