Comparison of initial nonoperative and operative management of radial nerve palsy associated with acute humeral shaft fractures

As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to:1.Become familiar with the available treatment approaches for radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures.2.Understand the strengths and limitations of the current treatment approaches for radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures.3.Become familiar with the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of operative and nonoperative treatment for radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures.4.Understand when operative or nonoperative management of radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures may be appropriate.The optimal treatment approach for the initial management of radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures has yet to be conclusively determined. The authors performed a systematic review of the literature to identify studies that compared the outcomes after initial nonoperative and operative management for radial nerve palsy associated with acute humeral shaft fractures. A meta-analysis of the data from these studies was also performed to determine whether recovery from radial nerve palsy was more favorable in one approach compared with the other. The primary outcome was recovery from radial nerve palsy and the secondary outcome was complaints after treatment. Nine articles (1 prospective observational and 8 retrospective) were included in the meta-analyses. Operative management showed no improved recovery from radial nerve palsy compared with nonoperative management. Nonoperative management was associated with a decreased risk of complaints relative to operative management. Recovery from radial nerve palsy associated with acute humeral shaft fractures is not influenced by the initial management approach.     

Radial nerve transection after ballistic humeral shaft fractures: A retrospective cohort study

IntroductionRadial nerve palsy following fracture of the humeral shaft is common. However, the incidence of nerve transection in the setting of ballistic trauma is unknown. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of radial nerve transection after ballistic fracture of the humerus.MethodsPatients presenting to an urban, level-1 trauma center with a ballistic fracture of the humeral shaft were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, clinical exam on presentation, and operative data were reviewed to determine the incidence of radial nerve palsy on initial examination, the incidence of operative treatment, the incidence of how frequently the nerve was directly visualized, and the incidence of radial nerve transection.ResultsOne-hundred and thirteen ballistic humeral shaft fractures were identified. Of these, 30 (26.5%) patients had a complete radial nerve palsy on exam. Of patients with a radial nerve palsy, on exam 20 were taken to the operating room and the nerve was visualized in 17 of those cases. There 2 were partially lacerated nerves and 12 nerves were completely transected. Thus, in patients with a complete nerve deficit on examination who underwent operative treatment with nerve exploration, the rate of nerve transection was 70.6%. The lower bound rate of nerve transection for all patients with radial nerve palsy (assuming all unexplored nerves were intact) was 40.0%.ConclusionThe rate of nerve transection in patients with humerus shaft fractures with associated radial nerve palsies is likely higher than the rate of nerve transection in similar injuries caused by blunt mechanisms. The authors recommend early exploration and fixation of these injuries.     

肱骨干骨折后桡神经麻痹的系统评价

目的采用循证医学研究方法,系统评价肱骨干骨折后桡神经麻痹(radialnervepalsy,RNP)的不同处理方法,为临床治疗决策提供证据基础。方法采用PubMed、Datastar及CochraneDatabase等互联网公共搜索引擎作为检索工具,检索过去40年中发表的有关肱骨干骨折后桡神经麻痹的文献,再对入选文献的参考文献行手工检索,制定数据抽取问表,对入选文献进行数据抽取、汇总、归纳和荟萃分析。结果共检索到391篇原始文献,其中324篇得自电子检索,67篇得自手工检索。有35篇符合最终的入选标准,总计随访患者1045例。其中21篇文献共记录了发生于4517例肱骨干骨折中的532例桡神经麻痹,肱骨干骨折后桡神经麻痹的发生率为11.8%。肱骨干中1/5和中远1/5部位的桡神经麻痹发生率明显高于其他部位(P<0.05)。不同骨折类型中,横形和螺旋形骨折较斜形和粉碎性骨折更易于并发桡神经麻痹(P<0.0001)。肱骨干骨折后桡神经麻痹总的恢复率为88.1%,早期保守治疗的病例自发性恢复率为70.7%。观察等待组和早期手术探查组之间神经恢复的最终结果没有明显差别。结论对肱骨干骨折后桡神经麻痹采用早期保守治疗不会影响神经的最终恢复结果,可以避免许多不必要的手术。     

Plate osteosynthesis in humeral shaft fractures. Indications and results

Non operative management of humeral shaft fractures is well recognized as the standard of care for uncomplicated injuries. Operative treatment of humeral fractures may be performed when limited indications are present as in patients with multiple trauma including ipsilateral forearm injuries, arterial injury or primary radial nerve palsy. 18 patients with humeral shaft fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using the AO plating technique at the Kantonsspital Chur from 1980 to 1986. Follow-up was available for 17 patients of whom 16 suffered from multiple injury trauma. The broad DC plate combined with lag screws was used in most cases. Two brachial artery transections were repaired at the time of primary osteosynthesis by the same surgeons with full functional recovery. Concomitant nerve injuries were repaired primarily in one case and postprimarily in 3 more cases. The overall result was excellent in 9 patients, good in 5 patients, fair in 2 patients and poor in one patient with complete brachial plexus injury. Bone healing was uneventful in all 17 patients. No infection and no delayed union or pseudarthrosis has been observed.     

经皮微创接骨板技术与髓内钉固定治疗肱骨干骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较经皮微创接骨板(MIPO)技术与髓内钉(IMN)固定技术治疗肱骨干骨折的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析2007年3月至2009年1月收治的52例肱骨干中下段骨折患者临床资料,分别采用闭合复位MIPO内固定(MIPO组)与顺行IMN固定(IMN组).MIPO组27例,男15例,女12例;年龄18～65岁,平均36.7岁;IMN组25例,男16例,女9例;年龄25～63岁,平均39.4岁.记录两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、骨折愈合时间、并发症、肘关节Mayo评分及肩关节Constant评分.结果 所有患者获16～36个月(平均17.8个月)随访.两组患者在手术时间、术中出血量、住院天数、骨折愈合时间及肘关节Mayo评分比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).MIPO组术后无骨不连与桡神经麻痹等并发症发生;IMN组术后4例发生骨不连,2例出现桡神经麻痹,1例出现内翻畸形,但功能良好.MIPO组患者骨不连发生率低于IMN组,肩关节Constant评分高于IMN组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 MIPO微创内固定技术治疗肱骨干骨折具有创伤小、术中出血量少、骨性愈合快、肩肘功能恢复好等优点,同时能减少医源性桡神经损伤的风险.

Abstract：

Objective To compare clinical outcomes of minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO) and intramedullary nail stabilization in treatment of acute humeral shaft fractures. Methods From March 2007 to January 2009, 52 patients were treated in our department for acute fractures of middle and lower humeral shaft. Twenty-seven were treated with MIPO technique (group A) and 25 with intramedullary nail (group B) . In group A, there were 15 men and 12 women, aged from 18 to 65 years (average, 36. 7 years); in group B, there were 16 men and 9 women, aged from 25 to 63 years (average,39. 4 years). Operation time, amount of blood transfusion, hospital stay, time for union, complications, Mayo scores of the elbow and Constant scores of the shoulder were recorded in both groups and compared statistically. Results The mean follow-up time was 17. 8 months (range, 16 to 36 months) . There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in operation time, amount of blood transfusion, hospital stay, time for union, and Mayo scores of the elbow ( P > 0. 05) . There was no case of postoperative iatrogenic radial nerve palsy or non-union in group A, but there were 4 cases of non-union, 2 cases of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy and one case of varus malunion in group B. Compared with group B, group A showed significant advantages in rate of postoperative non-union and Constant scores of the shoulder functional recovery ( P < 0. 05) . Conclusion In treatment of humeral shaft fractures, MIPO technique has advantages of less operative invasion, quick bone union, satisfactory shoulder functional recovery and low risk of postoperative palsy of the iatrogenic radial nerve.     

Radial nerve transposition with humeral fracture fixation: preliminary results

Humeral shaft fractures traditionally have been managed with closed treatment. In patients with polytrauma, open fractures, and patients at risk for nonunion, open reduction and internal fixation and intramedullary nailing have been advocated. The current study describes a technique used in humeral shaft fractures that reduces the risk of iatrogenic radial nerve injury during plate osteosynthesis in fracture patterns at high risk of nonunion (highly comminuted, transverse fractures). Ten patients who had radial nerve transposition were reviewed retrospectively using the electronic records database at the authors' institution. The average age of the patients was 27 years and average followup was 25 months. All had humeral shaft fractures, AO class A3.2 in four patients, B3.2 in five patients, and C2.2 in one patient. All fractures were deemed to be at high risk for nonunion. There were no iatrogenic nerve palsies as a result of the transposition, and no infections. Two patients had delayed or nonunion, who achieved healing after a second intervention. Transposition of the radial nerve is a useful adjunct to plating of humeral shaft fractures in patients at high risk for nonunion. The technique is safe, does not cause iatrogenic injury, and protects the radial nerve during all subsequent approaches to the fracture site.     

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for metastatic pathologic humeral fractures

Because patients with metastatic bone disease may survive only 3 to 12 months, the goal of surgery for pathologic fractures is to attain rigid and durable internal fixation and immediate postoperative use of the upper extremity. Surgical options such as intramedullary nailing, plating, and insertion of prosthesis usually reinforced with bone cement have been proposed for pathological humeral fractures. We describe a 42-year-old man with a pathologic distal humeral fracture. The fracture location and lack of distal bone stock precluded the use of intramedullary nails. We performed minimally invasive plating by using a locking plate for bridging and stabilization of fracture. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of the humeral shaft was developed to allow anterior plate and screw stabilization involving less soft tissue disruption and to theoretically improve healing rates and reduce complications, such as infection and iatrogenic radial nerve palsy. Plain radiographs showed stable consolidation of the fracture without screw loosening at the 7-month follow-up. Elbow range of motion was 120°, and the arm was stable without pain. Minimally invasive plate using a locking plate can provide stable fixation and allow early arm mobilization without protection and decrease the risk of operation-related complications, making it a useful surgical alternative in the treatment of pathologic humeral fractures.     

Humeral shaft fractures]

Since Lorenz B?hler postulated in his 1964 summary with the title "Against the operative treatment of fresh humeral shaft fractures" that the operative treatment is the exception in the therapy of humeral fractures times have changed. In the last years a conservative treatment of a humeral fracture is the exception and only used after straight indications. The operative therapy nowadays is the gold standard because of the development of new intramedullar and rotation stable implants in addition to the classical osteosynthesis with the plate. But even the external fixator for primary stabilisation in polytrauma patients or as rescue procedure after complications should be in repertory of every orthopedic surgeon. Attention should be put on the avoidance of primary and the correct treatment of secondary nerval lesions, esp. of the radial nerve. Here we are tending to the operative revision of the nerve in indistinct cases. In the treatment of the seldom humeral shaft fracture of the child conservative treatment is to prefer; in complications a resolute shift to a final operative stabilisation of the fracture is necessary.     

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humeral shaft fractures: are results reproducible?

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has been advocated as a safe approach to humeral shaft fracture management. We evaluated the reproducibility of this technique in a regional hospital. Thirty-five patients underwent MIPO of humerus shaft fractures. Fifteen patients had an open fracture, six a preoperative radial nerve palsy, and nine a concomitant thoracic, musculoskeletal or vascular injury. At an average 12-month follow-up, 91% of fractures healed after a mean of 12 weeks (range, 8–16). Two infections occurred. Final alignment averaged 4° of varus (range, 5° of valgus to 20° of varus). Active elbow ROM averaged 114° (range, 60–135°) and was less than 100° in nine elbows. Five of six preoperative radial nerve injuries recovered spontaneously. Healing and infection rates in this study are consistent with those reported in the literature. Lower elbow ROM and higher fracture angulation at healing were nevertheless found. MIPO is technically demanding and requires adequate intraoperative imaging and surgical experience in order to obtain adequate fracture alignment. Brachialis muscle scarring and inadequate postoperative rehabilitation may be involved in limited elbow range of motion.     

Intraoperative interfragmentary radial nerve compression in a medially plated humeral shaft fracture: a case report

Persistent secondary radial nerve palsy following open reduction and plating of humeral shaft fractures is rare, as the nerve is usually identified and protected throughout surgery. However, it is very difficult to identify and protect the radial nerve during medial and posteromedial approaches and closed intramedullary nailing, thus increasing the risk of damaging it. This case of interfragmentary radial nerve compression at the fracture site occurred during posteromedial plating of a laterally displaced and angulated segmental fracture of the middle and distal thirds of the humeral shaft. Exploration and nerve grafting was later required to regain function. It is important that the radial nerve be identified and protected in fixation of humeral shaft fractures with high-risk fracture configurations.     

Radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture. Is the energy of trauma a prognostic factor?

Background

Radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fractures is the most common nerve lesion complicating fractures of long bones. The purpose of the study was to review the outcome of surgical management in patients with low energy and high energy radial nerve palsy after humeral shaft fractures.

Methods

Eighteen patients were treated operatively for a humeral shaft fracture with radial nerve palsy. The mean age was 32.2 years and the mean follow up time was 66.1 months (range: 30-104). The surgical management included fracture fixation with early nerve exploration and repair if needed. The patients were divided in two groups based on the energy of trauma (low vs. high trauma energy). The prevalence of injured and unrecovered nerves and time to nerve recovery were analysed.

Results

Five patients sustained low and 13 high energy trauma. All patients with low energy trauma had an intact (4) or entrapped (1) radial nerve and recovered completely. Full nerve recovery was also achieved in five of 13 patients with high energy trauma where the nerve was found intact or entrapped. Signs of initial recovery were present in a mean of 3.2 weeks (range: 1-8) for the low energy group and 12 weeks (range: 3-23) for the high energy group (p = 0.036). In these patients, the average time to full recovery was 14 and 26 weeks for the low and high energy trauma group respectively. Eight patients with high energy trauma had severely damaged nerves and failed to recover, although microsurgical nerve reconstruction was performed in 4 cases. Patients with high energy trauma had a prolonged fracture healing time (18.7 weeks on average) compared to those with low energy fractures (10.4 weeks), (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The outcome of the radial nerve palsy following humeral fractures is associated to the initial trauma. Palsies that are part of a low energy fracture uniformly recover and therefore primary surgical exploration seems unnecessary. In high energy fractures, neurotmesis or severe contusion must be expected. In this case nerve recovery is unfavourable and the patients should be informed of the poor prognosis and the need of tendon transfers.     

Incidence and predictors of radial nerve palsy with the anterolateral brachialis splitting approach to the humeral shaft

Purpose: Fractures of the humeral shaft are common and account for 3%e5% of all orthopedic injuries. This study aims to estimate the incidence of radial nerve palsy and its outcome when the anterior approach is employed and to analyze the predictive factors. Methods: The study was performed in the department of orthopaedics unit of a tertiary care trauma referral center. Patients who underwent surgery for acute fractures and nonunions of humerus shaft through an anterior approach from January 2007 to December 2012 were included. We retrospectively analyzed medical records, including radiographs and discharge summaries, demographic data, surgical procedures prior to our index surgery, AO fracture type and level of fracture or nonunion, experience of the operating surgeon, time of the day when surgery was performed, and radial nerve palsy with its recovery condition. The level of humerus shaft fracture or nonunion was divided into upper third, middle third and lower third. Irrespective of prior surgeries done elsewhere, the first surgery done in our institute through an anterior approach was considered as the index surgery and subsequent surgical exposures were considered as secondary procedures. Results: Of 85 patients included, 19 had preoperative radial nerve palsy. Eleven (16%) patients developed radial nerve palsy after our index procedure. Surgeons who have two or less than two years of surgical experience were 9.2 times more likely to induce radial nerve palsy (p=0.002). Patients who had surgery between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. were about 8 times more likely to have palsy (p=0.004). The rest risk factor is AO type A fractures, whose incidence of radial nerve palsy was 1.3 times as compared with type B fractures (p=0.338). For all the 11 patients, one was lost to follow-up and the others recovered within 6 months. Conclusion: Contrary to our expectations, secondary procedures and prior multiple surgeries with failed implants and poor soft tissue were not predictive factors of postoperative deficit. From our study, we also conclude that radial nerve recovery can be reasonably expected in all patients with a postoperative palsy following the anterolateral approach.     

The surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures

This is a study of 84 patients with upper arm fractures who were treated by plate osteosynthesis. The indication was mandatory in 9 patients with open fractures, 23 patients with primary radial nerve palsy on admission, 5 patients with radial nerve palsy after the initial treatment, 22 patients with pseudarthrosis and 7 patients who were polytraumatised. The operation was also indicated in 15 patients, because of the form of the fracture, in 3 patients with brachial plexus lesion, in 3 patients because it involved both upper arms and in 3 patients with segmental fractures. The 4.5 DCP was used in all these cases. All the cases of pseudarthrosis progressed to achieve bony union after the operation. There was no incidence of postoperative pseudarthrosis. We did encounter two cases (2.4%) of radial nerve palsy that required exploration. All the preoperative primary and secondary cases of radial nerve palsy recovered postoperatively. After an average follow-up period of 2.4 years (1-10 years) 90% of the patients could be classified as having very good or good results.     

Operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Comparison of plating and intramedullary nailing

Plate and screw fixation (PSF) has always been the more common surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures. However, intramedullary nailing (IMN) of the humerus has gained in popularity over the last two decades. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of plate fixation versus intramedullary nailing of midshaft humeral fractures. The study included 91 patients treated at the department of Trauma Surgery of the University hospital of Leuven; 42 fractures had been treated by plate fixation and 49 by IM nailing. Union, functional outcome, possible complications and the need for additional surgery were compared between the IMN and PSF group. No significant difference in terms of fracture union and functional recovery was noted between the two groups. There were four cases of postoperative radial nerve palsy in the PSF group, versus two in the IMN group (non significant difference). A significantly larger number of patients with restrictive pain and/or functional hindrance in the shoulder or elbow was noted in the IMN group (p = 0.0053). Problems with osteosynthesis material occurred as often in the PSF group as in the IMN group. One patient developed wound infection at the shoulder after antegrade nailing. A significantly larger number of complications was seen in the IMN group than in the PSF group (p = 0.05). A reoperation was necessary in 143% of the PSF patients and 163% of the IMN patients (non significant difference). In this retrospective study, IMN did not achieve better results than PSF of humeral midshaft fractures and was associated with more postoperative complications. Based on these findings, we suggest that plating of humeral shaft fractures should be considered as the primary treatment for all surgical indications, except for some open fractures requiring temporary external fixation, pathological fractures, humeral shaft fractures in morbidly obese and osteopenic patients, and large segmental fractures of the humerus.     

Minimally Invasive Anterior Plate Osteosynthesis in Humeral Shaft Fractures

Abstract   Twelve patients with shaft fractures of the humerus were treated with percutaneous anterior plate osteosynthesis using a deltoid-pectoral respectively brachialis splitting approach without exposure of the radial nerve. The implants used were PHILOS plates, locking compression plates 3.5 and 4.5, and a tibial metaphyseal plate (all by Synthes). There were no intraoperative complications, no infections and no iatrogenic injuries of the radial or axillary nerve. Nine fractures healed entirely. There was one pseudarthrosis caused by a plate that was too short; another fracture probably healed but the distal screws broke; and one patient was lost to follow-up. Minimally invasive anterior plate osteosynthesis in humeral shaft fractures is an operative alternative which may be indicated not only in delayed healing or complex shaft fractures.     

Humeral nailing revisited

Unreamed interlocked humeral nailing for stabilisation of acute humeral fractures was introduced a decade ago. Antegrade and retrograde nail insertion are equally popular. The role of nailing as opposed to plating of humeral fractures is the subject of continuous debate. Between 1997 and 2005, 99 acute fractures of the humeral shaft were treated operatively with the unreamed humeral nail (UHN, Synthes) in our Level I Trauma Centre. The mean age of the patients was 63 years. Only eight patients (8.1%) were polytraumatised, nine patients had an open fracture (9.1%), five had a primary radial nerve palsy (5.1%). There were 54 antegrade and 45 retrograde nailings. The procedures were performed by 19 different surgeons, who carefully followed a detailed operation protocol. There were 6 adverse events: 3 secondary radial nerve palsies (3%), 2 fissures at the insertion point (2%) and one false placement of a locking screw (1%). Three patients developed pseudarthrosis (3%). Eight further operation were necessary (8.1%): 3 exploration of the radial nerve, 3 for treatment of pseudarthrosis, one replacement of a locking screw and one wound revision for superficial wound infection. Ninety patients (92 fractures) were evaluated after bone healing. Shoulder function was assessed using the Constant Score, elbow function with the Mayo Elbow Score. 91.3% and 5.4% of patients had an excellent or good shoulder function, 81.5% and 14.1% had an excellent or good elbow function. All patients with a functional deficit of the shoulder joint had antegrade, all patients with a deficit at the elbow joint retrograde nailing. Motor function recovered in all radial nerve palsies. 93.5% of patients had an excellent or good functional end result.Unreamed humeral nailing is a valid therapeutic option for stabilisation of acute humeral shaft fractures. Antegrade and retrograde nailing are associated with specific but different complications. By strictly adhering to the operation technique, the number and severity of complications can be reduced. When good fracture alignment and stability are obtained, uneventful bone healing with good functional outcome is the rule.     

The management of humeral shaft fractures with associated radial nerve palsy: a review of 117 cases

Patients and methods  

This single center retrospective study reviews the management and outcomes of 117 consecutive patients with humeral shaft fractures and associated radial nerve palsy (RNP) treated over a 20-year period (1986–2006). A total of 101 fractures were managed conservatively and 16 fractures underwent external fixation for poor bony alignment. Sixteen grade 1 and 2 open fractures underwent wound toileting alone. No patients underwent initial radial nerve exploration or opening of the fracture sites.     

AO非扩髓肱骨髓内钉治疗肱骨干骨折

目的：总结运用AO非扩髓肱骨髓内钉(UHN)治疗肱骨干骨折的临床效果。方法：从1999年2月-2002年5月，本科运用髓内固定技术共治疗了46例肱骨干骨折的病人，其中男21例，女25例。平均年龄42岁。根据肩肘关节的活动范围对术后肩肘关节的功能进行评价。结果：肩肘关节功能优秀30例(占65％)，良好13例(占28％)，差3例(占7％)。手术时间平均为60min。术后没有继发性桡神经瘫，无伤口感染。3例患者术后出现肩蜂下撞击综合征，2例患者出现肘关节的疼痛。结论：非扩髓肱骨髓内钉对于肱骨干骨折是一种固定可靠，并发症少，骨愈合率高，功能恢复良好的手术方法。     

Therapie der Humerusschaftfraktur

Fractures of the humeral shaft are less frequent than those of the proximal humerus. The formerly recommended treatment of humeral shaft fractures was conservative according to B?hler. This still remains an adequate concept of treatment but according to a change in the technical possibilities and the demands of patients and physicians on fast restoration of function and low pain, there is a trend towards surgical stabilization of humeral shaft fractures. The implant of choice is discussed controversially and consists of various types of nails versus plating. The technique of nailing is antegrade or retrograde and depends on the localization of the fracture. In our opinion good indications for plating are combined fractures of the proximal humerus and the shaft as well as very distal humeral shaft fractures. A primary lesion of the radial nerve is no imperative indication for exploration and different studies have shown the same results for exploration after 2 or 3 months if there is no spontaneous remission.     

Locked nailing of spiral humeral fractures with or without radial nerve entrapment

The experience of locked nailing of spiral humeral fractures and the perioperative conditions of the radial nerve are reported. The nerve is at risk of entrapment after such a fracture, and severe injury may occur during closed nailing. Among 162 humeral fractures treated by locked nailing, there were 21 spiral fractures: 18 acute fractures, and three delayed unions. The distribution of the fractures was two at the middle and 19 at the distal (1/3). Twelve patients had preoperative radial nerve palsy. All fractures excluding one middle fracture were retrograde nailed, and all patients had radial nerve exploration. Thirteen fractures were locked statically, seven were locked distally and had cerclage wiring, and one was locked distally only. Fisher's exact tests showed that the risk of radial nerve entrapment significantly increased in fractures with varus angulation or resulting from high-energy trauma. All the patients achieved fracture union and regained satisfactory joint functions. The author suggests that in external rotational spiral humeral fractures, radial nerve exploration should be done if nerve entrapment is highly suspected, irrespective of the fracture location or nerve palsy. Locked nailing with transfixing screws or cerclage wire could be a reliable treatment method for these fractures.