Iatrogenic Nerve Injuries of the Upper Extremity: A Critical Analysis Review.

JBJS Rev · Jan 01 2023 · Review

Crowe CS, Shin AY, Pulos N

Division of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota

Hand & Upper Extremity Orthopaedic Trauma

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis review addresses causes, diagnosis, and management approaches for iatrogenic upper extremity nerve injuries resulting from surgery, positioning, injections, and other interventions.
Abstract, as published

»: Iatrogenic nerve injuries may occur after any intervention of the upper extremity.

»: Causes of iatrogenic nerve lesions include direct sharp or thermal injury, retraction, compression from implants or compartment syndrome, injection, patient positioning, radiation, and cast/splint application, among others.

»: Optimal treatment of iatrogenic peripheral nerve lesions relies on early and accurate diagnosis.

»: Advanced imaging modalities (e.g., ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging) and electrodiagnostic studies aid and assist in preoperative planning.

»: Optimal treatment of iatrogenic injuries is situation-dependent and depends on the feasibility of direct repair, grafting, and functional transfers.

Featured in the 2026-09-09 issue.

← Acute Mallet Finger Injuries-A Review.Matching Kienböck's Treatment Options to Specific Features of… →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.