Visualization of Median Nerve Entrapment After Reduction of an Elbow Fracture Dislocation Using 3-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Case: A 10-year-old girl presented after closed reduction of an elbow fracture dislocation. She demonstrated intact vascularity but a dense median nerve palsy. Preoperative magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) precisely mapped the median nerve entrapped within the medial epicondylar fracture. Intraoperatively, the median nerve was freed preceding reduction and fracture fixation. Postoperatively, neurological symptoms completely resolved, and she regained full elbow function. Conclusion: Median nerve injury can present without associated vascular injury. In this case, MRN was helpful in preoperatively illustrating the spatial relationship between the median nerve and the medial epicondyle.