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Nerve injured in a mid-shaft humerus fracture
Anatomy · exam-style practice question with explanation
After a fracture of the shaft of the humerus, a patient cannot extend the wrist (wrist drop). Which nerve is injured?
- A. Median nerve
- B. Ulnar nerve
- C. Radial nerve
- D. Axillary nerve
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C. Radial nerve
The radial nerve runs in the spiral (radial) groove of the humerus, so it is at risk in mid-shaft fractures. Injury causes wrist drop, from weakness of the wrist and finger extensors, and sensory loss over the back of the hand near the thumb.
Key point: Mid-shaft humerus fracture: radial nerve, wrist drop.
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