Trifid radial nerve complicating a routine posterior approach to humeral shaft

Abstract

The posterior approach to the humerus is one of the most common approaches used for osteosynthesis and exploration of the radial nerve. The radial nerve anomalies even though rare are a possibility that the operating surgeon should be aware of during radial nerve exploration. A 42-year-old female presented with closed shaft of humerus fracture. The plan was to expose fracture site using a routine posterior approach and fix it with a dynamic compression plate but to our surprise found a trifurcation of radial nerve in the spiral groove. We describe a rare anomaly of trifurcation of radial nerve in the spiral groove. The nerves were protected, and the fracture was reduced and fixed with a dynamic compression plate.

Keywords

• humerus
• posterior approach
• radial nerve
• trifid