Ultrasound Assesment Of Radial Nerve In Humeral Shaft Fracture Patients With Radial Palsy

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

High-Resolution Ultrasound Evaluation of the Radial Nerve: High-resolution diagnostic ultrasound of the radial nerve is performed using a linear transducer (6-15 MHz) within 48 hours of admission in patients with humeral shaft fractures. The ultrasound systematically assesses the radial nerve's continuity, morphology, and relation to the fracture site. Based on established classification criteria (e.g., stretch neuropraxia, incarceration, partial/complete transection), the ultrasound findings guide intraoperative planning. All imaging is performed by board-certified musculoskeletal radiologists following a standardized protocol.

Study summary

This study investigates how well ultrasound imaging can identify damage to the radial nerve in patients with a broken upper arm bone (humeral shaft fracture). Some of these patients also have weakness or paralysis in their hand and wrist due to injury to the radial nerve. The study compares patients with and without radial nerve problems to see if early ultrasound scans can accurately detect nerve damage before surgery.

All patients will receive standard care, including surgery to fix the fracture. Those with nerve problems will also have the nerve explored during surgery. The results of the ultrasound will be compared to what is found during the operation. Patients will be followed closely over 12 months to monitor nerve recovery, healing of the bone, and any complications.

The goal is to improve the early diagnosis and management of nerve injuries in arm fractures, using a safe, non-invasive ultrasound scan that could help guide treatment decisions.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Preoperative Ultrasound Accuracy in Detecting Radial Nerve Continuity — Baseline (within 48 hours of admission); confirmation at surgery
  This outcome assesses how accurately high-resolution ultrasonography identifies whether the radial nerve is intact in patients with humeral shaft fractures and radial nerve palsy. The ultrasound findings will be compared to surgical exploration results (reference standard). Diagnostic accuracy metrics include sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

Trial sites (1)

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