The Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome: Clinical Investigation of Surgically Treated 7 Cases.
- Author:
Hyoung Min KIM
1
;
Changhoon JEONG
;
Sang Uk LEE
;
Youn Tae ROH
;
Il Jung PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea. jikocmc@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome;
Flexor pollicis longus;
Flexor digitorum profundus;
Pronator quadratus;
Surgical exploration
- MeSH:
Diagnostic Errors;
Elbow;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Male;
Paralysis
- From:Journal of the Korean Microsurgical Society
2009;18(2):67-74
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The etiology and treatment strategy of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) syndrome are still controversial. Seven patients with the AIN syndrome who were treated by surgical exploration and neurolysis were reviewed at a mean of 35.9 months follow up period. MATERIALS & METHODS: There were six men and one woman. The mean age was 37.3 years, ranging from 26 to 59. No patient was related to trauma and associated neurological lesion. Surgical exploration was performed at 7.7 months after onset of paralysis. RESULTS: All except one patients experienced pain around the elbow region before the onset of the palsy. On 7 patients, only the flexor pollicis longus was paralysed in 1, only the index flexor digitorum profundus in 2, and none had paralysis of the middle. The most common compression structures were fibrous bands within flexor digitorum sublimis arcade. However there was no demonstrable abnormality in three. Recovery was complete in all cases within 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: We recommended surgical exploration and neurolysis in patients who have shown no improvement after 6 months of conservative treatment. And careful preoperative examination is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate surgery, especially in incomplete AIN syndrome.
