[Humeral fractures with radial nerve injuries]

There are, predominantly, two methods in the operative treatment of a humerus's fracture accompanied by a lesion of a radial nerve, as discussed by the author in his paper. He points out that recently such traumas have become more frequent, and should be treated either by a reposition of fractured fragments by AO osteosynthesis, or by Kirschner's nail placed intramedullary (Hackethal's method). In all traumatized patients showing clinical signs of a radial nerve's lesion, this nerve must first be revised, intraoperatively well presented, and then a perineurolysis should be done. Finally, the nerve should be put in its correct anatomical position, on the muscle, or medially on the humerus. Following the surgery, a mobilization and rehabilitation should be done as soon as possible. In the postoperative follow-up, a callus formation should be monitored by X-ray, and re-innvervation monitored by electromyography.