Radial nerve lesions and their treatment

Out of 332 patients with peripheral nerve injuries operated upon in our Department from the beginning of 1972 to the end of 1974, in only 30 were different types of radial nerve injury observed. In most cases radial nerve palsy was seen to be a secondary occurrence following fracture of the humerus or other types of injuries. Operation revealed 16 cases of fibrosis of the radial nerve and 14 of radial nerve defect. The longest defect was 20 cm long. In the first group of patients funiculolysis was performed, and in the second group funiculorrhaphy was performed using sural nerve grafts. With the exception of one case in the first group, good reinnervation of the previously denervated muscles was achieved, as well as the restoration of sensitivity in the affected skin areas.