Injury to the radial nerve caused by fracture of the humeral shaft: Timing and neurobiological aspects related to treatment and diagnosis

The radial nerve may not function in association with fractures of the humeral shaft. There are various opinions about the causes and treatment. We report a case of complete rupture of the radial nerve after a fracture of the proximal shaft of the humerus. The nerve injury was treated with grafting and tendon transfer. Here we discuss diagnoses and treatments including neurobiological aspects of nervous regeneration. We suggest that electrodiagnostic examination after a radial nerve palsy caused by a humeral fracture is done 5 - 6 weeks after injury and that nerve repair and reconstruction should be done within two, and not later than three, months after injury.