title: Exposure of the forearm and distal radius.
abstract: Approaches to the forearm use internervous planes to allow adequate bone exposure and prevent muscle denervation. The Henry approach utilizes the plane between muscles supplied by the median and radial nerves. The Thompson approach utilizes the plane between muscles supplied by the radial and posterior interosseous nerves. The distal radius may be approached volarly. The extended flexor carpi radialis approach is useful for intraarticular fractures, subacute fractures, and malunions. The distal radius can be approached dorsally by releasing the third dorsal compartment and continuing the dissection subperiosteally. Choice of approach depends on the injury pattern and the need for exposure.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Mail Stop C309, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Klausmeyer
authors.affiliation: Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Department of Orthopedics, Harvard Medical School, Yawkey 2C, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. Electronic address: cmudgal@partners.org.
authors.forename: Chaitanya
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mudgal
mesh_terms: D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005542:Forearm / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology
keywords: Distal radius approach; Dorsal distal radius approach; Flexor carpi radialis approach; Henry approach; Thompson approach