Radial nerve injury following dry needling

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Jan 26:2018:bcr2017221302. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221302.

Abstract

A 27-year-old secretary presented to an orthopaedic outpatients department with a 1-month history of left wrist drop following dry needling. On insertion of a needle, she reported spasms in her left hand followed by a wrist drop. An MRI scan was normal. Electromyogram and nerve conduction studies showed a neuropraxia of the left radial nerve. She was referred to a hand therapist for splinting and intensive hand therapy; however, her symptoms remain unchanged.

Keywords: disability; orthopaedics; physiotherapy (rehabilitation); rehabilitation medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Acupuncture Therapy / instrumentation
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Needles / adverse effects*
  • Radial Nerve / injuries*
  • Shoulder Pain / therapy*
  • Treatment Failure