Tardy Posterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy Following Total Elbow Arthroplasty: Report of a Case, Literature Review and a Classification System

Abstract

We present an unusual case of tardy posterior interosseous nerve palsy in a female patient following total elbow arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis. The patient was neurologically intact immediately following surgery but developed loss of active finger and thumb extension within 12 hours following surgery. Expectant management was adapted. The palsy recovered fully without the need of surgical intervention. A literature review is presented and a classification system proposed.