Functional outcome of dynamic orthosis in radial nerve palsy

Radial nerve is the most common injured nerve among all peripheral nerves. Damage to radial nerve can result in significant motor impairment of the arm and the wrist resulting in loss of wrist extension, the ability to grasp is significantly reduced leading to serious handicap. Wrist orthosis (splint) is used to manage the radial nerve palsy conservatively. To assess the functional outcomes of dynamic wrist orthosis in the management of radial nerve palsy. 15 patients (11 males and 4 females) affected due to radial nerve palsy were treated between June 2023 to April 2024 at age between 15 and 55 years. Goniometer & MRC (Medical Research Council) scale was used to measure and examine the improvement in the range of motion and muscle power respectively by convenient sampling technique. Patients were called for follow up after one month to examine MRC scale score, and range of motion. The Variance Analysis shows that there were significant increases in active flexion, active extension, passive flexion, and passive extension at wrist joint. p value was <0.001. Variance analysis showed a main effect in time lapse (F (4, 70) = 51.62, p (<0.001) indicating a significant improvement in grading of extensor muscle. Variance analysis (F (4, 70) = 25.51) indicated a significant increase in power of flexor muscles. Radial nerve injury is common after trauma and proper management results in early return to daily activity. Dynamic splint is one of the useful treatments and it prevents complication. But in 3rd class nerve injury (neurotmesis), surgical treatment is required.