Median nerve compression associated with displaced Salter-Harris type II distal radial epiphyseal fracture

P M Binfield1, A Sott-Miknas, C J Good

  • 1Department of Orthopaedics, Newham General Hospital, Plaistow, London, UK.

Injury
|March 18, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Immediate manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) effectively treated median nerve compression in children with Salter-Harris Type II distal radius fractures. This approach restored nerve function without long-term issues, avoiding carpal tunnel release.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Pediatric orthopedics
  • Pediatric trauma

Background:

  • Salter-Harris Type II fractures are common in children.
  • Distal radius fractures can lead to median nerve compression.
  • Prompt management is crucial for pediatric orthopedic injuries.

Observation:

  • Three children presented with displaced distal radial epiphysis fractures (Salter-Harris Type II).
  • All cases exhibited rapidly developing median nerve compression.
  • Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) was performed immediately.

Findings:

  • Median nerve function was rapidly restored post-MUA in all patients.
  • No late neurological sequelae were observed.
  • Immediate MUA without carpal tunnel release proved effective.

Implications:

  • Immediate MUA is a viable initial treatment for this specific pediatric fracture with nerve compression.
  • Carpal tunnel release may not be necessary in the acute setting.
  • Consideration for late median nerve exploration exists if deficits persist post-MUA.

Related Concept Videos

Spinal Nerves: Plexus I01:22

Spinal Nerves: Plexus I

Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius01:09

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna01:15

Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus01:19

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
Fractures: Bone Repair01:27

Fractures: Bone Repair

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...