Isolated musculocutaneous nerve injury in a motorcyclist

Abstract

Summary

Introduction: Isolated musculocutaneous injuries occur rarely due to its anatomical location. We present our patient with musculocutaneous nerve injury in motorcyclist.

Case Presentation: The patient was initially treated for a motorcycle accident. Further examination of the patient revealed impaired elbow flexion and numbness of the lateral forearm. Electromyography confirmed impaired function of the musculocutaneous nerve. After 3 months, the patient's condition did not show any improve, neither electromyography did not confirm recovery of nerve activity, so surgical treatment was proceeded with. In the surgical revision, neuroma-in-continuity was discovered and resected. The resulting nerve defect was 6 cm long. We provided nerve grafting using sural nerve from right lower limb. After surgery, the patient began physical therapy and electrical stimulation. Two years later, the patient reached complete recovery of muscle strength.

Conclusion: Due to lack of improvement after a 3-month period, we proceeded with a surgical option. Upon closer inspection which found a complete lesion of the nerve, which could not heal spontaneously. Therefore, we opted for the nerve graft method and the patient restored the full function of elbow flexors.