Median Nerve Entrapment in the Ulna in a Both-Bone Pediatric Forearm Fracture

Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

This case report presents entrapment with subsequent complete disruption of the median nerve in the distal ulna in a both-bone fracture of the forearm in a 9-year-old girl. Closed fractures of the radius and ulna commonly occur in pediatric populations. Postinjury nerve dysfunction is often seen. Severe nerve injury is rare. There are only 3 reports of the median nerve becoming entrapped in an ulnar fracture in a child, with no reports of entrapment in the distal forearm. Features seen on examination and the radiographs supported possible nerve entrapment. Although uncommon, nerve entrapment or transection should be considered in all forearm fractures with sensory or motor nerve dysfunction. If suspicions are high, an early diagnosis of nerve entrapment may be obtained with magnetic resonance imaging evaluation.