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Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...

Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side...

Muscles that Move the Arm

Muscles that Move the Arm

Nine muscles are involved in arm movements. Two of these, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, originate from the axial skeleton and are called axial muscles. The other seven originate from the scapula and are called the scapular muscles.
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...

Muscles that Move the Forearm

Muscles that Move the Forearm

The muscles that move the forearms can be divided into four groups: forearm flexors, forearm extensors, forearm pronators, and forearm supinators. The flexors and extensors act on the elbow joint, while the pronators and supinators act on the radioulnar joints.
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...

Arteries of the Upper Limbs

Arteries of the Upper Limbs

The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...

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Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation

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Maximizing Exposure of the Distal Humerus.

Thomas J France¹, Brandon S Smetana¹

¹Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

|October 17, 2025

Summary

Surgical approaches for distal humerus fractures vary, with posterior methods being common. Understanding less frequent anterior, medial, and lateral approaches can improve treatment for specific injury patterns.

Keywords:

Distal humerus fracture Exposures Olecranon osteotomy Surgical approaches Triceps tongue

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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Published on: July 5, 2011

Area of Science:

Orthopedic Surgery
Traumatology

Background:

Distal humerus fractures require precise surgical fixation.
Various surgical approaches exist for open reduction and internal fixation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and discuss the spectrum of surgical approaches for distal humerus fractures.
To highlight the utility of less common anterior, medial, and lateral approaches.

Main Methods:

Literature review of described surgical techniques.
Analysis of approach characteristics, visualization, and fixation capabilities.

Main Results:

Posterior approaches (paratricipital, triceps-splitting, triceps tongue, olecranon osteotomy) are frequently employed.
Anterior, medial, and lateral approaches offer alternative exposure but may have limitations.

Conclusions:

While posterior approaches are standard, knowledge of anterior, medial, and lateral exposures is crucial for managing complex distal humerus fracture patterns.
Tailoring the surgical approach to the specific injury pattern optimizes outcomes.