Pirela-Cruz, Miguel A., MD, FACS and Scher, Danielle L., MD
Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, 14(4), 218–221
Abstract: Extracurricular and simple intraarticular fractuers and malunions of the distal radius can be addressed through a direct radial approach that entails careful and meticulous handling of the soft tissues. This approach involved mobilization of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) and extensor tendons of the first dorsal compartment. A Type 1 SBRN pattern is when the nerve presents as a single bundle. in Type II pattern, there are 2 major nerve groups present. With Type II branching patterns of the SBRN, careful intraneural dissection is required to mobilize the nerve branches into a safe location during surgery. The primary advantage of this approach is the case of surgical dissection and avoidance of the flexor tendons of the fingers during surgery.