3.5 mm LCP
®
Extra-articular Distal Humerus Plate Surgical Technique DePuy Synthes 7
Approach
2
Position patient
Positioning is by surgeon preference. However, the lateral
decubitus position is frequently chosen. Rest the arm on a
padded bar allowing elbow flexion of 120°.
3
Approach
Possible approaches include a triceps split approach or a
posterolateral approach, where the triceps are elevated off
the back of the humerus from lateral to medial. Distally, this
is the posterior side of a standard Kocher approach. Proximally,
one can identify the radial nerve in the manner described by
Gerwin, et al.
2
Precaution:
If the plate is long, the radial nerve must be
elevated off the back of the humerus and the plate placed
underneath. Otherwise, the radial nerve rarely needs to be
identified by more than palpation and almost never needs
to be isolated or elevated with these fractures.
Note:
An olecranon osteotomy is not necessary for
plate placement.
2. Gerwin, Michelle, et al. “Alternative Operative Exposures of the Posterior Aspect
of the Humeral Diaphysis. With Reference to the Radial Nerve.”
The Journal of
Bone and Joint Surgery,
78:1690-5. (1996).
