Anatomical Study for the Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fracture Through the Medial Approach

Abstract

Background: The treatment of complex 3- and 4- part proximal humeral fractures has been controversial due to numerous postoperative complications. With the further study of medial support and blood supply of humeral head, new techniques and conception are developing. The study aims to illustrate the medial approach of the proximal humeral fracture through cadaver autopsy.Method: Upper limbs from 19 cadavers have been dissected to expose the shoulder joint. We selected the coracoid process as the bony reference. Vernier caliper will be used to measure the following data, including distance from coracoid process to circumflex brachial artery, distance between anterior humeral circumflex artery (ACHA) and posterior circumflex brachial artery (PCHA) and their diameters. Assessment included the characteristics of the vascular supply around the humeral head, identification of the structures at risk, quality of exposure of the bony structures, and feasibility of fixation.Results: Medial plate can be easily placed in 86.84% anatomical patterns. An interval of 2 to 3cm (24.29 ± 3.42 mm) was available for internal fixation. ACHA (49.35 ± 8.13 mm, 35.14 - 68.53 mm) and PCHA (49.62 ± 7.82 mm, 37.67 - 66.76 mm) were about 5cm away from the coracoid process. Risk factors including ACHA and PCHA originate in common, PCHA originated from the deep brachial artery (DBA), the presence of perforator vessels; musculocutaneous nerve intersects with ACHA, the diameter of PCHA: ACHA < 1.5. In 13.15% anatomical patterns, this risk factor should be taken seriously. Conclusion: The medial approach opens a new perspective in the optimal management of complex fractures of proximal humerus. Anatomical research proves that the medial approach is feasible. The interval between ACHA and PCHA is suitable for placement. Anatomical pattern and indication have been discussed, and we hypothesized that ACHA has been destroyed in complex PHFs. With further studies on the anatomy and mechanism of injury, the development of more clinical cases will be an important work of our institution in the future.