A New Single Volar Approach for Both-Bone Fractures of the Forearm: The Mediolateral Windows Approach Extended

Abstract

Fractures of the forearm are common injuries in adults. Particularly, both-bone fractures of the radius and ulna are frequently encountered by orthopedic surgeons. To date, these fractures are typically treated with open reduction and internal fixation, because of the propensity for malunion of the radius and ulna and the resulting loss of forearm rotation. We propose a modification of the classic double approach for both-bone fractures of the distal radius and ulna. Indeed, we described a minimal and anatomic approach to prevent complications such as the heterotopic ossification of the interosseus membrane and vascular-nervous lesions. By a single anterior incision, we utilize 2 windows to expose the medial and lateral compartments of the forearm. In this way, we avoid the handling of the interosseous membrane, and we protect the ulnar, median, and radial nerves from the surgical approach. This technique is indicated for complex distal radius and ulna fractures. We exclude open fractures, and Monteggia, Galeazzi, or Essex-Lopresti lesions. In this report, we describe the surgical anatomy, surgical approach, and complications regarding this approach.