Considerations on the treatment of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome

Abstract

Anterior interosseous syndrome (Kiloh-Nevin syndrome) refers to that constellation of signs and symptoms referable to weakness of the pronator quadratus, the flexor pollicis longus, and the flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger. We present our series of 9 patients, affected by AIN Syndrome, and a group of 4 patients affected by pseudo-AIN neuropathies. In the literature there is considerable controversy concerning the treatment, but we agree that understanding of anatomical variants of innervation combined with a thorough physical examination can provide important clues as to where pathology resides. Proper treatment needs a precise and accurate diagnosis; in fact medical treatment which we present is effective for nerve dysfunction and may avoid surgery, but surgical exploration is mandatory when EMG is suggestive of a severe lesion, and localizes the specific site on anterior interosseous nerve entrapment. © 2011 Springer-Verlag/Wien.