Ultrasound check of the radial nerve after a humeral shaft fracture
Ultrasound Assesment Of Radial Nerve In Humeral Shaft Fracture Patients With Radial Palsy
This tests whether an early high-resolution ultrasound can detect radial nerve damage in adults with humeral shaft fractures, including those with wrist and hand weakness.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Medeniyet University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Kars) |
| Trial ID | NCT07286734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study uses high-resolution ultrasound (and EMG when available) to image the radial nerve in adults admitted with traumatic humeral shaft fractures, comparing scans from patients with and without clinical radial palsy. All participants receive standard fracture care and those with clinical nerve deficits undergo surgical nerve exploration; ultrasound findings are compared to intraoperative findings when surgery occurs. Participants are followed for 12 months to document nerve recovery, fracture healing, and complications. The goal is to determine whether early, non-invasive ultrasound can accurately localize nerve injury and inform management decisions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) with traumatic humeral shaft fractures admitted to the participating centers who can undergo high-resolution ultrasound and/or EMG and provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with pathological fractures, prior radial nerve deficits, major vascular injury or soft-tissue loss, or those who cannot complete ultrasound/EMG or follow-up are unlikely to benefit from the study findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If accurate, early ultrasound could allow quicker, non-invasive diagnosis of radial nerve injury and help guide timing and extent of surgical exploration, potentially improving recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Small case series and comparative studies have shown ultrasound can visualize peripheral nerve injury and localize lesions, but larger prospective comparisons with intraoperative findings remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients aged 18 years or older. * Diagnosed with traumatic humeral shaft fracture. * Admitted and followed according to the local clinical protocol with a confirmed diagnosis. * Underwent required investigations, including high-resolution ultrasonography and/or electromyography (EMG). * Provided written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Pathological fractures due to malignancy or metabolic disorder. * History of previous humeral fracture or pre-traumatic radial nerve deficit. * Clinically detected vascular injury or major soft tissue loss accompanying the fracture. * Incomplete diagnostic workup (absence of ultrasound or EMG examination). * Declined participation or were lost to follow-up. * Persons under 18 years of age.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Kars
- Istanbul Medeniyet University — Istanbul, Kars, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mehmed Nuri Tutuncu, MD
- Email: mnuritutuncu@hotmail.com
- Phone: 0090 531 265 33 79
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.