Selective Ulnar Nerve Decompression, Capsular Branch Denervation, and Arthroscopic Debridement as a Unique Technique to Improve Quality of Life for Avascular Necrosis of the Distal Humerus and Radius in a Young Patient With ALL

Abstract

Avascular necrosis (AVN), one of the most common therapy-related and debilitating side effects of antileukemic treatment, can adversely affect a patient’s long-term quality of life. Our case study presents a young woman with bilateral elbow AVN and hip AVN after acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment, with a unique treatment strategy for her elbow pain. The treatment strategy included elbow joint denervation with arthroscopic debridement and distal humerus core decompression. The goal of this procedure was to improve symptomatic pain while retaining bone stock in the distal humerus hopefully allowing better function of the patient’s elbow. This treatment may not only improve the quality of life in a young patient but also delay the need for future surgery. Our patient had improved pain relief in her elbow postsurgery. This procedure may be used for pain control and may have beneficial future implications in this limited population.