Posterior interosseous nerve palsy following placement of the compass elbow hinge for acute instability: a case report******

Abstract We describe a case of posterior interosseous nerve palsy that developed after application of a hinged elbow external fixation device. Our hypothesis that forearm pronation during ulnar half pin insertion may have been causative is supported by anatomic findings noted during subsequent cadaveric dissection. Based on our observations we recommend that the ulnar half pins required with this device be inserted with the forearm in supination. (J Hand Surg 1999;24A:554–560. Copyright c 1999 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)