Pattern of peripheral traumatic neuropathy of the upper limb in Lagos

A total of 181 patients with 254 injured nerves in the upper limbs were prospectively studied. The ages of the patients ranged from 6 weeks to 70 years, with a mean of 25.9 years and a male to female ratio of 4:1. The site of injury for 123 nerves in 83 patients was the wrist. A torn wound was the commonest type of injury, causing nerve damage in 127 patients. The ulnar nerve (114) was more frequently involved than other nerves. There were 92 median, 34 radial and 14 cervicobrachial nerves. The nerve injury was missed at the initial emergency operation in 31 patients (17 per cent). Glass of various types caused the injury in 89 patients involving 119 nerves. Of all glass wounded nerves 60 per cent were caused by domestic architectural window, door and furniture glass. Accidental fall or punch and forced opening or closure were the mechanism of injury in 71 patients. Strict glass safety regulations and education of the public on the dangers of glass are recommended for prevention of glass-related injuries.