Avoiding iatrogenic radial nerve jeopardy during Humerus fixation by unshackling the nerve: A Study of simple and effective technique

Abstract

Background: Radial nerve is prone for iatrogenic injury during open reduction and fixation of humerus fractures. The Lateral Intermuscular Septum (LIS) acts like a rigid noose around the nerve and prevents free mobilization of nerve during the process of surgical fixation. Hence this study is conducted in an attempt to verify the chances of nerve injury when the lateral intermuscular septum is released. Material and methods: A total of 39 cases of shaft of humerus fractures were studied. All the cases were free of preoperative radial nerve injury and underwent plate fixation via anterolateral approach. A simple maneuver of lateral intermuscular release was done in all these cases. Appropriate proforma was made and data was expressed in percentages. Results: There was no incidence of iatrogenic radial nerve injury in any of these cases. Conclusion: Unshackling the radial nerve by releasing Lateral intermuscular septum would improve the excursion thereby circumventing the possibility of iatrogenic radial nerve injury.