Proximal neuropathy in Colles' fracture.

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nerve injury at the wrist following Colles' fracture is rare and usually located in the region of the fracture. Mononeuropathies in the proximal forearm have not been reported.

METHOD

We present two patients with Colles' fracture with proximal forearm neuropathies.

RESULTS

Both cases were associated with mononeuropathies in the forearm as proximal as the elbow, involving the median, ulnar and radial nerves in one, and the median and ulnar nerves in the other.

CONCLUSION

Following Colles' fracture proximal nerve involvement may occur and, with increased awareness, this lesion may be identified more frequently.