[Late paralysis of the peripheral nerves from the neurologic viewpoint]

In a total of 791 cases of peripheral neuroparalysis, we found 77 cases of late paresis corresponding to approximately 10 per cent of the total number of patients. Almost half the number of late paresis were pareses of the ulnar nerve. The average latency period was 18 years. The causes were: 26 times fractures, 21 times open, sencondarily healed injuries of the soft parts, 14 times irradiation therapy and some closed injuries of the soft parts. Several late pareses occurred after industrial accidents or medical interventions, which may have legal consequences with respect to insurance. The early recognition of late pareses and the consultations in good time of a neurosurgeon for the question of surgical neurolysis is important for the patient because a delay in time may result in irreparable damage of the nerve.