Posterior Interosseous Neuropathy Related to a Loose Distal Biceps Cortical Button: A Case Series

Kamil M Amer; Tiffany N Bridges; Arsalaan Choudhry; Christopher M Jones

doi:10.22038/ABJS.2023.75292.3483

Posterior Interosseous Neuropathy Related to a Loose Distal Biceps Cortical Button: A Case Series

Arch Bone Jt Surg. 2024;12(2):139-143. doi: 10.22038/ABJS.2023.75292.3483.

Authors

Kamil M Amer¹, Tiffany N Bridges², Arsalaan Choudhry³, Christopher M Jones¹

Affiliations

¹ Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
² Jefferson Health New Jersey, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stratford, New Jersey, USA.
³ Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Abstract

Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) injury is an uncommon yet debilitating complication following distal bicep tendon repair. There are case reports of acute intraoperative PIN injury related to retractor placement, drill trajectory, and nerve incarceration. We report three cases of delayed PIN neuropathy in the setting of a loose cortical button. All patients had resolution of their pain with removal of the cortical button and decompression of the radial tunnel. The purpose of this case series is to: 1) highlight the possibility of a loose cortical bicep button as the cause of proximal forearm pain and PIN neuropathy in the early or late postoperative timeframe; and 2) emphasize the importance of proper surgical technique and use of intraoperative fluoroscopy to assure the cortical button is well-fixed and flush with the radial shaft. .

Keywords: Cortical button; Distal biceps repair; Endobutton; PIN; Posterior interosseous nerve.

Publication types

Case Reports