Radial Nerve Palsy After Humeral Shaft Fractures: The Case for Early Exploration and a New Classification to Guide Treatment and Prognosis

Abstract

Radial nerve palsies are a common complication associated with humeral shaft fractures. The authors propose classifying these injuries into 4 types based on intraoperative findings: type 1 stretch/neuropraxia, type 2 incarcerated, type 3 partial transection, and type 4 complete transection. The initial management of radial nerve palsies associated with closed fractures of the humerus remains a controversial topic, with early exploration reserved for open fractures, fractures that cannot achieve an adequate closed reduction requiring fracture repair, fractures with associated vascular injuries, and polytrauma patients. Outside of these recommendations, expectant observation for spontaneous recovery is recommended.