Cadaveric investigation on radial nerve strain using different posterior surgical exposures for extraarticular distal humeral ORIF: merits of nerve decompression through a lateral paratricipital exposure.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the type of posterior surgical approach for distal humeral fracture open reduction and internal fixation influenced radial nerve strain during simulated operative retraction in a cadaveric model.

METHODS

Three different posterior surgical exposures: triceps splitting, lateral paratricipital, and paratricipital with release of the lateral intermuscular septum were used. Radial nerve strain was measured using a microDVRT, while traction was applied with a digital force gauge at forces 0.1-0.3 kg.

RESULTS

The lateral paratricipital with nerve decompression was superior to both the triceps splitting approach (P < 0.048) and paratricipital method without decompression (P < 0.036). There was no significant difference between the triceps splitting method and paratricipital exposure without intermuscular septum release.

CONCLUSIONS

Radial nerve decompression through release of the lateral intermuscular septum through a lateral paratricipital exposure ideally decreases nerve strain during humeral open reduction and internal fixation in our cadaveric model.