Published online Aug 16, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i23.6956
Peer-review started: June 2, 2021
First decision: June 25, 2021
Revised: June 26, 2021
Accepted: July 2, 2021
Article in press: July 2, 2021
Published online: August 16, 2021
Processing time: 64 Days and 3.5 Hours
Ulnar nerve injury subsequent to a fracture of the distal radius is extremely rare compared to median nerve injury. Treatment of ulnar nerve injury after closed distal radial fracture is controversial. Reasonable surgical planning and careful postoperative management can improve the prognosis of patients.
We report two cases of ulnar nerve injury subsequent to fracture of the distal radius. Both patients were admitted to hospital. Both patients had persistent ulnar nerve compression syndromes. The first patient achieved rapid recovery by early nerve decompression surgery, while the second patient had no recovery at 2-3 mo after injury and had more severe symptoms. At 10 wk after injury, the second patient agreed to nerve decompression surgery. The second patient finally achieved a successful outcome after nerve decompression and neurolysis, although she still has residual symptoms.
For patients with ulnar nerve compression syndrome related to acute wrist fracture, if symptoms persist and signs of recovery are not observed, early release is necessary to prevent permanent neurological damage.
Core Tip: Although conservative management is successful in some mild cases of ulnar nerve injury subsequent to a fracture of the distal radius, ulnar nerve exploration, decompression and neurolysis remain the gold standard. If symptoms persist and signs of recovery are not observed, ultrasonography can confirm localization of the area of compression, and early release is necessary.