Supine Extensile Approach to the Anterolateral Humerus

The radial nerve is at risk of injury during surgical approaches to the humeral shaft. Previous authors have described an anterolateral approach to the humerus limited by the radial nerve, requiring that distal dissection be carried anterior into a neurovascularly crowded interval. A novel extensile approach is described using a neuromuscular bridge to protect the radial nerve, thus enabling safe distal extension of the anterolateral humerus approach. The authors present a case series of 7 patients who required an extensile humeral exposure. To date, there have been no complications, including loss of reduction, malunion, nonunion, or nerve palsy.