Image Based Question – 74568

A 24 years old male presents with a humerus fracture as shown in the figure below. Which is the nerve likely to be involved by the fracture?

A. Radial nerve

B. Ulnar nerve

C. Median nerve

D. Musculocutaneous nerve

Correct Answer » A Explanation

Ans: A. Radial nerve

(Ref Apley’s 9/e p749, 760)

• The given X-ray is showing Holstein-Lewis fracture of the lower shaft of humerus.
• The most commonly involved nerve is radial nerve, which passes in its groove on the posterior aspect of humerus hone.
• Radial nerve palsy (wrist drop and paralysis of the metacarpophalangeal extensors) may occur with shaft fractures, particularly oblique fractures at the junction of the middle and distal thirds to the bone (Holstein–Lewis fracture).