LATERAL APPROACH TO THE HUMERAL SHAFT - AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH FOR FRACTURE TREATMENT

Indications for operative treatment of fractures of the shaft of the h umerus have been well described. Anterolateral and posterior surgical approaches are generally preferred for fractures of the proximal/middl e thirds and distal third of the humerus, respectively. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. We present an alternative, ''lat eral'' approach to the humeral shaft. This approach allows supine posi tioning of the multiply injured patient and visualization of the radia l nerve throughout the extent of the incision, and requires no muscle splitting.