[Electrophysiological diagnostics in choosing treatment strategy for neuropathies in children with transcondylar fractures].

Abstract

Background: A common complication of transcondylar fractures (TCF) in children is neuropathy requiring not only therapeutic but also surgical treatment. Despite numerous reports, clear criteria for selecting patients for surgical treatment have not been defined.

Objective: To clarify the role of clinical and electrophysiological diagnostics in choosing treatment tactics for neuropathies in children with TCF.

Material and methods: There were 20 patients with neuropathies after TCF between 2020 and 2022. Of these, 10 ones were selected for surgical treatment according to electrophysiological diagnostic data. Inclusion criteria: age 6-12 years, closed TCF within previous 3-12 months, symptoms of neuropathy confirmed by electroneuromyography (ENMG), no nerve disruption according to ultrasound data. Exclusion criteria: elbow joint contracture and post-traumatic ulnar nerve dislocation. All patients underwent needle myography with functional assessment of motor and sensory fibers, spontaneous activity in muscles, recruitment pattern and motor unit potentials. Intraoperative electrophysiological diagnostics included stimulation of motor fascicles with registration of M-responses from the target muscles. The follow-up period was 3-6 months.

Results: The study included 20 patients aged 6-12 years without peripheral nerve disruption. A group of 10 patients who required surgical treatment was identified. The control group consisted of 10 patients who did not require surgical treatment. To choose treatment tactics, we considered ENMG data. Surgical procedure was determined according to intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) data.

Conclusion: When choosing treatment strategy, surgeons should consider objective ENMG and IONM criteria, as well as fascicular anatomy.