Open AccessDisplaced Radial Shaft Fracture: The Dorsal (Thompson) Approach to the Forearm
Author(s) -
Charlotte N. Shields,
Kenneth A. Egol
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic trauma
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1531-2291
pISSN - 0890-5339
DOI - 10.1097/bot.0000000000001827
Subject(s) - medicine , forearm , posterior interosseous nerve , elbow , dorsum , radial nerve , fixation (population genetics) , reduction (mathematics) , anatomy , internal fixation , surgery , soft tissue , radius , population , alternative medicine , geometry , environmental health , mathematics , pathology , computer security , computer science , palsy
This video demonstrates a displaced radial shaft fracture repaired through a dorsal (Thompson) approach to the forearm. The patient is an 18-year-old man who sustained a left elbow dislocation and ipsilateral radial shaft fracture (OTA/AO: 22-B2) while playing basketball. The patient underwent a closed reduction of the elbow joint and was indicated for operative repair of the radius. Ultimate fixation included a compression plate and nonlocking screws through a dorsal approach to the radius. Anatomic reduction and stable fixation was obtained. The posterior interosseus nerve was identified and protected throughout the procedure. A dorsal (Thompson) approach to a radial shaft fracture is advantageous for fractures involving the proximal and middle-third of the radius. This approach can also be used when there is soft tissue damage (open wounds) on the dorsal aspect, which require debridement.