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Distal Humerus: Surgical Anatomy

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Simple and Complex Fractures of the Humerus
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Abstract

The treatment of fractures of the distal humerus may be associated with high rates of complications such as malunion, nonunion, infection, and nerve injuries. Nerve injuries are among the most dreaded complications by orthopedists for both the consequent functional loss for the patient and the liability implications for the surgeon.

Transient or permanent neurological injury in shaft and distal humerus fractures have been frequently reported.

Neurological lesions may be related to a direct trauma but are more frequently secondary to surgery.

The perfect knowledge of anatomy remains the best tool in the hands of the surgeon to reduce neurological complications in the treatment of fractures around the elbow. The purpose of this chapter is to convey the essential concepts of surgical anatomy that the surgeon should know before surgically treating fractures around the elbow.

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Blonna, D. (2015). Distal Humerus: Surgical Anatomy. In: Castoldi, F., Blonna, D., Assom, M. (eds) Simple and Complex Fractures of the Humerus. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5307-6_23

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5307-6_23

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-5306-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-5307-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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