Anterolateral approach to the humerus (after Henry)

Plating of proximal humeral shaft fractures may be performed through the anterolateral approach.

This approach can be extended distally for midshaft fractures.

The complete incision is illustrated here. Depending on the fracture and its location, a smaller section might be used.

The incision follows a line extending from the interval distally between biceps and the mobile wad (brachioradialis and the wrist extensors) to the deltopectoral interval proximally, following the lateral edge of biceps and the anterior edge of the deltoid. The incision may also be performed from proximally to distally.

Minimize any detachment of subcutaneous tissue from the muscular fascia.

Illustration showing the complete incision for an anterolateral humerus approach, from biceps to deltopectoral interval, minimizing subcutaneous tissue detachment.

Incise the fascia carefully between biceps/brachialis and the mobile wad and extend proximally.

Look for the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm crossing distally. The radial nerve is deeper. Identify the nerve in the interval between biceps and the mobile wad and followed proximally as the incision is developed.

Proximally, look for the cephalic vein in the deltopectoral interval. If it is retracted with the deltoid, muscular tributaries are less likely to be torn.

Illustration showing fascia incision between biceps/brachialis and mobile wad, identifying nerves and cephalic vein.

Retract the biceps medially, and the mobile wad laterally to identify the radial nerve. The brachialis is now exposed.

Illustration showing biceps retracted medially and mobile wad laterally, exposing the radial nerve and brachialis.

Dissect the brachialis within the neurovascular plane between the radial and the musculocutaneous nerves to maintain innervation of the brachialis.

If necessary, release some of the muscle attachment proximally to allow the plate to lie on the bone.

Extend the dissection proximally, as needed, to the anterior border of the deltoid and along the deltopectoral interval.

Illustration showing brachialis dissection within the neurovascular plane, maintaining innervation, and extending dissection proximally.

Alternatively, the brachialis may be retracted medially. Beware that this injures the radial nerve branch to the brachialis.

Illustration showing the brachialis retracted medially, with a warning about potential injury to the radial nerve branch.

Partially release the deltoid insertion anteriorly, if necessary, and retract laterally to access the proximal humerus.

Alternatively dissect bluntly under the central deltoid insertion to allow for plate placement.

Leave as much muscle attached to bone as possible to preserve vascularity and reattach the released portion at the end of the procedure.

Illustration showing partial release and lateral retraction of deltoid insertion for proximal humerus access, with blunt dissection under central deltoid for plate placement.

Distally, the anterior humerus has been exposed to the elbow joint, between the mobile wad and brachialis.

Mobilize the radial nerve, as needed, to access the bone. Follow the nerve to the point where it passes through the lateral intermuscular septum.

Illustration showing anterior humerus exposed to the elbow joint, with mobilization of the radial nerve for bone access.

The radial nerve enters the anterior compartment by perforating the lateral intermuscular septum. The use of Hohmann retractors in the distal 2/5 of the humerus carries a high risk of iatrogenic nerve injury and should therefore be avoided.