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Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care 2003; 11(1): 10-12
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-40115
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Posterior Approach to the Humeral Shaft

P. Reynders1 , S. Nijs1 , P. L. O. Broos1 , D. Stoffelen1
  • 1Department of Traumatology, U.Z. Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
20 June 2003 (online)

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Abstract

The authors describe a surgical exposure to the posterior humerus, which is versatile and less destructive to the triceps muscle and neurovascular structures of the posterior surface of the humerus. Because this approach does not involve splitting or subperiosteal stripping of the medial and lateral head of the triceps brachii, exposure of the entire posterior surface of the humerus as far as the anterior circumflex artery is possible. Due to the wide exposure, tunneling of the nervus radialis and profunda brachii artery in the spiral groove is easy. The authors have used this approach for plating the humerus for fifteen years. The authors believe that this surgical approach respects the anatomy of the posterior fascial compartment more than the conventional existing exposures.

Key words

Fractures - Fracture treatment - Humeral fractures

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P. Reynders, MD

Department of Traumatology · U.Z. Gasthuisberg

Herestraat 49

3000 Leuven · Belgium

Phone: +32/16-34-42 77

Fax: +32/16-34-46 14

Email: peter.reynders@uz.kuleuven.ac.be