Mohammed Musaed Almalki, Bander S Alrashedan, Ahmed Shaya Alragea, Adel Faiz Alshihri, Hani S Serhan, Husam Fahmi AlFashtaki
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Peripheral brachial plexus injuries, particularly Radial nerve palsy (RNP), are a common complication of humeral shaft fractures. Despite previous research, the specific fracture patterns associated with RNP remain unclear.
Objectives: This study aims to assess the frequency and patterns of humeral shaft fractures, determine the incidence of peripheral brachial plexus injuries such as radial and ulnar nerve palsies, and investigate the association between specific fracture patterns and these nerve injuries. We also explored other factors influencing RNP development and identified potential risk factors or predictors.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 144 patients with humeral shaft fractures at King Saud Medical City from 2015 to 2022. Patient data, such as age, gender, and neurovascular status, were extracted and analyzed using SPSS. RNP was diagnosed clinically. Statistical analyses included chi-square and student t -tests, with a p -value of <0.05 for significance.
Results: This study found a 37.5% incidence of RNP in humeral shaft fractures. Significant differences were observed in age ( p = 0.032) and mechanism of injury ( p < 0.0001), with most fractures due to road traffic accidents (72.22%) and closed (93.75%). Common fracture patterns were AO 12A (37.5%) and AO 12B (39.58%), with a higher prevalence of comminuted fractures (71 cases). Significant differences in fracture patterns ( p < 0.0001) and anteromedial comminution ( p = 0.002) were noted between patients with and without RNP. Interestingly, four cases of concomitant ulnar nerve palsy were observed in patients with radial nerve palsy. However, no significant differences were found in gender ( p = 0.343), open fractures ( p = 0.214), or associated fractures ( p = 0.106).
Conclusion: This study suggests that the severity of trauma, rather than specific fracture patterns, is a more significant factor in RNP development in humeral shaft fractures. Further research is needed to understand the underlying biomechanics.
期刊介绍：
JBPPNI is an open access, peer-reviewed online journal that will encompass all aspects of basic and clinical research findings, in the area of brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injury. Injury in this context refers to congenital, inflammatory, traumatic, degenerative and neoplastic processes, including neurofibromatosis. Papers on diagnostic and imaging aspects of the peripheral nervous system are welcomed as well. The peripheral nervous system is unique in its complexity and scope of influence. There are areas of interest in the anatomy, physiology, metabolism, phylogeny, and limb growth tropism of peripheral nerves.
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