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Open Access Case Report

Tardy posterior interosseous nerve palsy associated with radial head fracture: a case report

Jas Daurka*, Alvin Chen, Kashif Akhtar and Srinath Kamineni

Author Affiliations

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 7 East, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London, UK

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Cases Journal 2009, 2:22 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-22

Published: 7 January 2009

Abstract

Background

A 55 year old gentleman presented with tardy posterior interosseous nerve palsy associated with radial head fracture.

Case presentation

The patient developed symptoms of wrist drop 24 hours after the injury whilst awaiting surgery for his Mason III radial head fracture. EMG studies confirmed the presence of a posterior interosseous nerve lesion. Open exploration revealed oedematous soft tissues surrounding the nerve. The proximity of the nerve to the fracture and its course through the arcade of Frohse make it susceptible to injury, from the initial traumatic event and the following oedema.

Conclusion

A full recovery occurred after exploration and decompression of the nerve.