• Rebecca Lim, Shian Chao Tay, and Andrew Yam.
• Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
• J Hand Surg Am. 2012 Apr 1;37(4):669-72.

AbstractDouble-plate fixation is a popular treatment method for intercondylar humeral fractures. Ulnar nerve complications are emphasized, but radial nerve complications are rarely mentioned. We present a case of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy following open reduction and double plating of a supracondylar/intercondylar fracture of the humerus. Before surgery, only a sensory deficit in the radial nerve territory was present, but after surgery, there was a complete motor deficit of the wrist and finger extensors. On exploration, a segment of nerve was found crushed within the reduced lateral condyle fracture site, with a screw from the posteroradial plate going through the nerve. Although rare, radial nerve injury can occur with posteriorly displaced supracondylar/intercondylar humerus fractures. When preoperative signs of radial nerve injury are present, we recommend that the radial nerve be identified and protected during double-plate fixation.Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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