[Global exposure of the lower extremity of the radius by extended external approach]

With classical lateral access to the lower radius, only the styloid process is correctly exposed and many surgeons prefer elective anterior routes, or more rarely posterior access. Our experience with posterior compression-extension fractures of the lower radius using a posterior plate has led us to describe the modalities of progression to the bone without injury to the tendons and vasculo-nervous bundles. The technique described scrupulously avoids injury and also allows safe iterative access. Finally, and most importantly, this technique also exposes all the aspects of the bone. It can be successfully used for internal fixation in difficult cases and also for the treatment of former acquired or congenital deformations of the epiphysis. This route has been shown to be safe and successful in a prospective series of 187 applications of posterior plates for compression-extension fractures.