Posterior interosseous neuropathy: distinguishing from a proximal radial neuropathy

The posterior interosseous nerve is the terminal motor branch of the radial nerve that innervates the extensor carpi ulnaris and the extensors of the thumb and fingers. We describe a case of a posterior interosseous neuropathy presenting with the typical ‘finger drop’ and partial ‘wrist drop’. We focus on the clinical signs that distinguish it from a more proximal radial neuropathy, clarified by nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography. Multimodal imaging of the forearm did not identify a compressive lesion. Persistent symptoms prompted surgical exploration 5 years after initial onset. It identified compression of the posterior interosseous nerve in the region of the arcade of Frohse and leash of Henry. The sites were decompressed and concurrent salvage secondary reconstructive tendon transfers were required in view of the severe axonal loss with minimal chance of functional reinnervation.

EFFECTIVENESS OF HAND SPLINTING AND SENSORY RE-EDUCATION TO REGAIN FUNCTIONALITY AFTER WRIST DROP

Hand problems, which could be cosmetic or functional or both, are hard to hide. Hands function affectedly concern to gesture and express, touch and care, dress, and feed. Impairments can be annihilating. The incidence of upper extremity injuries is significant and accounts for about one-third of all injuries. This study is conducted in order to find the effectiveness of splinting and sensory reeducation in the patient with wrist drop. A different subject prospective, experimental, flexible pre-and-posttest intervention design followed by descriptive analysis with questionnaire has been used for the purpose of this study. Baseline screening assessment was done by using DASH, Goniometer, oxford grading for muscle strength and monofilaments. Out-trigger hand splint was provided to all the subject. Sensory re-education training was given to the patients with conventional therapy for better result, 5 days/week over a period of 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of therapy, post-test will be done by using DASH, Goniometer, oxford grading for muscle strength and monofilament to obtain results. The unpaired t test (for quantitative data to compare two independent two groups was used for quantitative data comparison of all clinical indicators. Chi-square test and fisher exact test were used for qualitative data whenever two or more than two groups were used to compare. Level of significance was set at P≤0.05.The individual overall growth has been considered in the therapy sessions as the patient’s personal life, self-confidence, locomotion and day to day activities were hampered but after therapy session the individuals each aspect has overall growth including muscle strength which helps the patient to lift weight up to 2kg and make them able to hold the objects of different size and shapes for e.g. mainly patient has developed cylindrical, conical and spherical grasp. KEY WORDS : Sensory re-education, Wrist drop, DASH, Splinting, Functionality

“Cortical” Wrist Drop due to a Cerebral Peduncle Infarct

Wrist drops are usually due to a peripheral neuropathy affecting the radial nerve. Cortical wrist drops may occur, usually due to a lesion in the contralateral hand area of the motor cortex. We report a unique case of “cortical” wrist drop due to an acute infarction of the contralateral cerebral peduncle. The patient is a 70-year-old gentleman with the vascular factors of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and prior cerebellar strokes, who developed sudden onset of right wrist weakness without numbness. Neurological examination showed a right wrist and finger drop. Nerve conduction study of the radial nerve was normal. MRI brain revealed an acute infarct in the medial part of the left cerebral peduncle, extending slightly to the medial thalamus; there were also old medial posterior cerebellar infarcts. Time of flight MR angiography was normal, with hypoplastic right vertebral artery. Echocardiography was normal but for a dilated right atrium. Electrocardiogram was normal, and 24-hour Holter monitoring detected infrequent atrial and ventricular ectopics. X-ray wrist showed an old ulnar styloid fracture. Nerve conduction study of the radial nerve was normal. He was switched from aspirin to clopidogrel and underwent rehabilitation. The cerebral peduncle should not be forgotten when attempting to anatomically localise the site of the lesion when evaluating a patient with a wrist drop.

Radial Nerve Neuropraxis due to Compression by C-Arm Fluoroscopy in Spine Surgery: A Case Report

Introduction. Peripheral nerve injury is a well-known surgical complication related to the position of the patient. Moreover, in spine surgery, prone position for prolonged period places the patient at increased risk. The aim of this study was to report a case of a radial nerve neuropraxis due to compression by C-arm fluoroscopy during spine surgery. Case Presentation. An 81-year-old-female underwent a posterior spinal fixation L2-S1 due to lumbar spinal stenosis. In the recovery room, she presented an hematoma at the posterolateral part of her arm associated with a wrist drop due to radial nerve neuropraxis. The patient was referred to an occupational therapist and fully recovered four months later. After analysis of the patient positioning during the intervention, we came to the conclusion that this radial nerve injury was very possibly due to a compression by the C-arm fluoroscopy during the surgery. Conclusion. Our case describes a rare case of compression of the radial nerve during lumbar spine surgery, which is an unexpected complication as the site of the nerve injury is not at all related to the surgery itself, but to the position of the patient. Although C-arm fluoroscopy is essential, spine surgeons should be aware of this possible complication related to its use in order to avoid it.

A 3-Year Single Surgeon Experience of the Arterial Switch Operation

Background: The arterial switch operation [ASO] is the surgical procedure of choice for correction of the TGA. This is one of the most complex cardiac surgeries, with coronary artery transfer being the most important factor determining the success of the surgery. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the outcomes of ASO operated by a single surgeon and assess the accuracy of echocardiography in identifying the coronary artery pattern before the ASO, this may lead to a better familiarization with the ASO. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by operative and postoperative case note review of 125 patients from March 2015 to 2018. We assessed the outcomes of the arterial switch operation. Concomitant defects as atrial septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus and small ventricular septal defects were defined as the simple TGA and other defects were defined as the complex TGA. Coronary artery pattern determination by echocardiography prior to the surgery and during the operation was investigated, as well. 30-day mortality, post-operative neurologic complications, cardiac anatomic complications, arrhythmia, plasma lactate level and cardiopulmonary bypass time [CPB time] during the surgery were recorded. Results: The mean age and weight of the patients were 29.09 (1 - 180) days and 3506.48 (2400 - 9700) grams. Most of the patients (64%) were male. 105 (84%) of the patients had simple and 20 (16%) had complex TGA. Unusual coronary pattern during echocardiography was observed in 17 (13.6%) subjects and unusual coronary pattern during the operation was observed in 7 (5.6%) patients. The incidence of the major anatomical lesions was not significant. 20 (16%) had neurologic complications, including seizure in 14 (11.2%) patients, brain hemorrhage was found in 5 (4%) patients, as well as chorea and wrist drop in the remaining patients. Post-operative arrhythmia was observed in 16 (12.8%) patients. The mortality rate was 4% (5 patients). The CPB time was 202.73 ± 36.99 minutes. Conclusions: Our post-operative results of the ASO indicate excellent results. This signifies high experience and knowledge regarding this surgery.