Treatment and Prognosis

The treatments and prognosis are outlined as follows:

Medical therapy

A period of immobilisation and NSAIDs may diminish swelling and improve symptoms. In addition, functional splints help prevent contracture, and improve function, as signs of nerve healing follow.

Surgical therapy

Surgical therapy is indicated if there is failure to respond to medical management within 6-12 weeks, unless it is caused by:

• Closed manipulation, where a re-manipulation is indicated. If there is no recovery, proceed to open exploration of the nerve
• Open fracture, where the nerve is explored at the time of debridement

Prognosis

Outcome and prognosis depend on the degree of injury.