Ulnar Nerve Palsy with Dislocation of the Nerve around the Ulna Following a Fracture of the Distal Radius

Abstract

Ulnar nerve injury is a rare complication following fracture of the distal radius. Dislocation of the nerve due to additional disruption of the distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) occurs even less frequently with only a number of cases reported in the literature. In this article we present a unique case of dislocation of the ulnar nerve following distal radius fracture with dislocation of the ulnar nerve through the DRUJ and rotation around the ulna. Surgical repositioning of the ulnar nerve in this case resulted in nearly complete recovery of nerve function. In addition to its rareness, this case shows the importance of careful neurologic examination in distal radius fractures and the need for early explorative surgery or advanced imaging in cases with combined DRUJ dislocation and suspected ulnar nerve injury.