Ulnar nerve injury associated with displaced distal radius fracture: Two case reports

Abstract

Background: 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.

Case summary: 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Keywords: Case report; Distal radius fracture; Early release; Fracture treatment; Ulnar nerve injury.