The tricipital aponeurosis--a reliable soft tissue landmark for humeral plating

The radial nerve at revision/redo surgery - using the lower lateral cutaneous nerve to prevent a postoperative radial nerve deficit

Background

The posterior approach to the humeral shaft is commonly used for surgical procedures on the humeral shaft. We present our experiences using the modification of the surgical exposure described by Gerwin M. which we have found useful at the time of revision surgery.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2019, six patients who underwent a revision surgical procedure for a nonunion of the humeral shaft where a prior surgical procedure was performed through a posterior incision were included. The approach used a modification of the posterior approach described by Gerwin M. where the lower lateral cutaneous nerve branch of the radial nerve is used to identify trace, mobilize, retract, and protect the radial nerve to achieve adequate exposure of the humeral shaft.

Results and Discussion

None of the patients had a postoperative nerve deficit.Adequate exposure to aid hardware removal, osteosynthesis, and bone grafting was achieved in all patients.

Conclusion

The modification of the posterior approach described by Gerwin M. is useful at the time of revision or redo surgery on the humeral shaft where other bony and soft tissue landmarks are altered to prevent an iatrogenic injury to the radial nerve while providing adequate exposure to treat a nonunion.

Humeral shaft fractures

Fractures of the humeral shaft are common injuries with multiple management strategies. Many still regard nonoperative management as the standard of care; however, as the understanding of these injuries increases, treatment recommendations are also evolving. Fracture pattern, fracture location, and identifiable patient risk factors may predict poor outcome with nonoperative management, and earlier operative intervention may be recommended. Operative management includes open reduction and internal fixation through a variety of exposures, intramedullary nail fixation, and external fixation. With increasing rates of shoulder arthroplasty, periprosthetic humeral shaft fractures also deserve special consideration.