title: Fracture of distal humerus: MIPO technique with visualization of the radial nerve.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the outcomes in patients treated for humerus distal third fractures with MIPO technique and visualization of the radial nerve by an accessory approach, in those without radial palsy before surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patients were treated with MIPO technique. The visualization and isolation of the radial nerve was done by an approach between the brachialis and the brachiorradialis, with an oblique incision, in the lateral side of the arm. MEPS was used to evaluate the elbow function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven patients were evaluated with a mean age of 29.8 years old. The average follow up was 29.85 months. The radial neuropraxis after surgery occurred in three patients. The sensorial recovery occurred after 3.16 months on average and also of the motor function, after 5.33 months on average, in all patients. We achieved fracture consolidation in all patients (M=4.22 months). The averages for flexion-extension and prono-supination were 112.85° and 145°, respectively. The MEPS average score was 86.42. There was no case of infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This approach allowed excluding a radial nerve interposition on site of the fracture and/or under the plate, showing a high level of consolidation of the fracture and a good evolution of the range of movement of the elbow. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Campinas, SP, Brazil, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniel Romano
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Zogbi
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Campinas, SP, Brazil, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alberto Maranon
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Terrivel
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Campinas, SP, Brazil, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Guilherme Grisi
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Mouraria
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Campinas, SP, Brazil, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maurício Leal Dias
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Mongon
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Campinas, SP, Brazil, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernando Kenji
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Kikuta
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Campinas, SP, Brazil, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Américo Zoppi
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Filho
keywords: Diaphyses; Humeral fractures; Peripheral nerve injuries; Radial nerve