[Approaches to radial shaft]. / Prístupy k diafýze radia.

ABSTRACT

In the clinical practice, radial shaft may be exposed via two approaches, namely the posterolateral Thompson and volar (anterior) Henry approaches. A feared complication of both of them is the injury to the deep branch of the radial nerve. No consensus has been reached, yet, as to which of the two approaches is more beneficial for the proximal half of radius. According to our anatomical studies and clinical experience, Thompson approach is safe only in fractures of the middle and distal thirds of the radial shaft, but highly risky in fractures of its proximal third. Henry approach may be used in any fracture of the radial shaft and provides a safe exposure of the entire lateral and anterior surfaces of the radius.The Henry approach has three phases. In the first phase, incision is made along the line connecting the biceps brachii tendon and the styloid process of radius. Care must be taken not to damage the lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm.In the second phase, fascia is incised and the brachioradialis identified by the typical transition from the muscle belly to tendon and the shape of the tendon. On the lateral side, the brachioradialis lines the space with the radial artery and veins and the superficial branch of the radial nerve running at its bottom. On the medial side, the space is defined by the pronator teres in the proximal part and the flexor carpi radialis in the distal part. The superficial branch of the radial nerve is retracted together with the brachioradialis laterally, and the radial artery medially.In the third phase, the attachment of the pronator teres is identified by its typical tendon in the middle of convexity of the lateral surface of the radial shaft. The proximal half of the radius must be exposed very carefully in order not to damage the deep branch of the radial nerve. Dissection starts at the insertion of the pronator teres and proceeds proximally along its lateral border in interval between this muscle and insertion of the supinator. During release and retraction of the supinator posterolaterally, it is beneficial to supinate the proximal fragment of the shaft as much as possible, preferably by K-wire drilled perpendicular into the anterior surface of the fragment and rotated externally. As a result, canalis supinatorius is moved posteriorly which reduces the risk of injury to the deep branch of the radial nerve. The supinator is released always from distal to proximal. Approximately at the level of the biceps brachii tendon, it is usually necessary to identify and ligate the radial recurrent artery and vein which prevent retraction of the radial vessels medially. After detachment of the whole supinator, a small Hohmann elevator is carefully inserted between the muscle and the bone. If necessary, it is now possible to open the anterior surface of the joint capsule and revise the humeroradial joint.