BACKGROUND: Although iatrogenic posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy is an uncommon complication of ruptured distal biceps brachii tendon surgical anatomical reinsertion, it is the most severe complication leading to functional limitation. The present study investigated possible types of PIN palsy as a postoperative complication of anatomical distal biceps tendon reinsertion, and aimed to clinically assess patients at 2 years after its surgical treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studied sample comprised 7 male patients diagnosed with an iatrogenic PIN palsies after anatomical reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon, who were referred to the reference center for management of a peripheral nervous system injury. The nerve injury was intraoperatively evaluated. The clinical assessment used the Medical Research Council (MRC) System for motor recovery, and the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) was performed before the surgical treatment of the PIN injuries and at 2 years postoperatively. In all studied cases, electromyography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS: The comparison of the preoperative (x=1.43±0.53) and postoperative (x=4.71±0.49) results of the motor recovery of the PIN demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p<0.001). Moreover, the results of functional assessments with the use of the Quick DASH questionnaire significantly improved (p<0.001) postoperatively (x=6.14±6.86) compared to the preoperative evaluations (x=54.29±12.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The PIN palsies as complications of the surgical anatomical reinsertion of ruptured distal biceps brachii resulted from mechanical nerve compression or direct intraoperative damage. The 2-year outcomes justified the clinical use of surgical management for iatrogenic PIN palsy.

Keywords: Iatrogenic Disease, Nerve Compression Syndromes, Peripheral Nerve Injuries