Approaches - Anterior Lateral Approach to the Distal Humerus

Uses

-ORIF

-Exploration of Radial Nerve

Positioning

-Supine, arm abducted 60 deg, exsanguinate limb and use tourniquet

Landmark - biceps brachii and flexion crease of elbow

Incision - curved longitudinal on lat border of biceps, start 10cm prox to flexion crease and end at flexion crease

Internervous plane - Brachialis and brachioradialis are both innervated by radial nerve - although their innervation plays a minor role in motor function

Superficial Dissection

-Subq tissues

-ID lateral border biceps and retract medially

-ID interval between brachioradialis/brachialis

Deep Dissection

-ID and stay on medial side of radial nerve

-Retract brachialis medially

Dangers

-radial nerve

-musculocutaneous nerve