Self-mutilation of the Fifth Finger in an Infant due to Iatrogenic Ulnar Nerve Neurapraxia: A Clinical Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Case: We describe a 1-year and 8-month-old girl who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning by Kirschner wires of a fully displaced supracondylar humeral fracture. At follow-up, self-mutilation of the fifth finger was noticed. A nerve conduction study confirmed ulnar nerve neurapraxia, which allowed the patient to bite her fifth finger painlessly. Conclusion: Although self-mutilation after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar fractures was not previously described, and is probably very rare, a high index of suspicion and close follow-up is needed in infants in this setting.