Electric shock sign after digital nerve injury; report of a case and review of literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Digital nerve lacerations are rationally common, especially following penetrating injuries. The majority of patients suffer from numbness as the main complaint. However, electric shock pain is a rare manifestation of partial nerve injury. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old woman with partial digital nerve injury and an electric shock sign due to a 1 cm laceration on the volar side of the proximal phalanx three weeks earlier. The surgical exploration revealed a neuroma-like mass in the digital nerve; however, the continuity of the nerve was grossly intact. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Due to the superficiality of digital nerves, penetrating nerve injuries are rationally common in this area. Laceration of the digital nerve could lead to loss of sensation, clumsiness, and even loss of function. Gradually, neuroma formation would add a local pain and electric shock sign to the mentioned symptoms. CONCLUSION: Electric shock sign is characteristic for partial digital nerve injury with unknown mechanism. It seems the symptoms would be progressive and more complicated with neuroma formation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.