Outcome of repairing posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) injury

Abstract

Introduction: The posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is the terminal branch of the deep branch of the radial nerve. It providing movement for the posterior forearm, controlling extension of the wrist and fingers. PIN injury severely affects hand function so it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly. Microsurgical repair of the PIN will recover the best results. The purpose of this study: evaluate the efficient of repairing posterior interosseous nerve by microsurgery.

Patients and methods: Retrospective and prospective study base on 21 patients with PIN injury who was performed microsurgery repair from 2018 to 2022. Assessment of recovery outcomes by using The Louisiana State University Health Science grading system – 2020 (LSUHS) and classified into 3 groups: Good (grade 4, 5); Fair (grade 3. 2); Poor (grade 0. 1).

Results: There are 14 men and 7 women, aged from 6 to 47. Cause by wounds: 12/21 cases,  after previous surgery: 7/21 cases, nerve compression: 2/21 cases. Direct repair (nerve grafting): 20/21 cases, end-to-end neurorrhaphy were performed in: 1/21 case. Time follow-up ranged from 3 months to 60 months. Results: Good: 17/21 (80.95%) cases; Fair: 5/21 (19.05%) cases; Poor: no cases.

Conclusion: As results: Good: 17/21 (80.95%) cases; Fair: 5/21 (19.05%) cases; Poor: no cases. PIN injury severely affects hand function, so it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly by microsurgery.

Keywords: Posterior Interosseous Nerve, Nerve injury, Microsurgical peripheral nerve

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