Analysis of the reason and prevention of the iatrogenic injury of radial nerve

Objective: To investigate the cause and prevention of the iatrogenic radial nerve injury. Methods: From 1998 to 2003, 41 patients with iatrogenic radial nerve injury were treated with non operative treatment in 21 cases, neurolysis in 12 cases, direct suture in 8 cases and plus tendon transposition in 4 cases. Results: 20 cases full recovered at the non operative treatment group, one case improved. 8 cases full recovered at the neurolysis group, 2 cases improved, 2 cases were inefficiency. 6 cases full recovered at the direct suture group, 2 cases were inefficiency. Conclusion: The main causes of the iatrogenic radial nerve injury are unfamiliar to the local anatomy, crude operation technique and lack of responsibility. As long as the above mentioned reasons to be iliminated, the radial nerve injury can be avoided. If corresponding therapeutic steps are taken after injury, the prognosis will be satisfactory.