Which of the following nerve is damaged in the fracture of the shaft of the humerus: March, September 2005

Ans. B: Radial Nerve Radial nerve injury occurs in up to 18% of cases of fracture shaft humerus. It is most common with middle third fractures, although best known for its association with Holstein-Lewis type distal third fracture, which may entrap or lacerate the nerve as it passes through the intermuscular septum. Most injuries are neurapraxias or axonotmesis; function will return within 3 to 4 months; laceration is more common in open fractures or gunshot injuries. Delayed surgical exploration should be done after 3 to 4 months if there is no evidence of recovery by electromyography or nerve conduction velocity studies.