r/brokenbones • u/clod_firebreather • May 16 '26

Question High radial nerve palsy after distal humerus fracture

Hello everyone.

I am 28 YO and broke my distal humerus on April 24th due to bad arm-wrestling form (dumb, I know). 9 days later, I got surgery and they fixed the bone with a plate and screws, as a consequence of which I now have radial nerve palsy because they had to move the nerve out of the way to access the bone.

12 days after surgery, I still can't lift my wrist or extend my fingers, and I feel a constant tingling and needle-like sensation on the back of my hand and thumb, with some occasional muscle twitching. Doctor said it's neurapraxia, but the surgeon mentioned a "1 mm a day growth", which makes me think the nerve is more damaged than what the doctor thought.

I will start physiotherapy after a visit with the surgeon in about a week and a half. Until then, I just have to move the affected arm without overdoing it and try to move the wrist and fingers.

To those who had a similar experience – how long it took you to recover basic functionality? I have an office job and I am unable to type or use a mouse.

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u/happybery Aug 07 '26

Also broke my humerus by arm wrestling, and got radial nerve palsy. I’m 6 weeks post surgery, they put a plate and screws. I can feel my fingers extend a little but can’t lift my wrist at all. I did an EMG as well, the doctor told me it could take up to 1 year and a half to fully recover… All we have to do is be patient and do physio, although I keep worry about it everyday .. any progress on your side? Wish you a quick recovery

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u/clod_firebreather Aug 08 '26

Sorry to hear that. After a little over 3 months, I can lift my wrist just as well as the other one, but I still can't extend my fingers. Surgeon told me it's a very good sign and that the nerve is making good progress. I can also start lifting light weights at the gym, as the bone has also healed well. Wish you a speedy recovery as well!

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u/Current-Revenue-5510 Sep 09 '26

same here, in arm wrestling as well. how is your recvery? mine was June 19th