The modified anterolateral approach to the humerus.

Introduction: The anterior and anterolateral approaches to the humerus describe splitting brachialis longitudinally, assuming its fibres run parallel to the shaft. Recent improvements in the understanding of brachialis anatomy however have demonstrated it has two distinct heads, with the bulk of its fibres running oblique relative to the humerus. Attempting to split brachialis longitudinally to the extent required for plate osteosynthesis invariably leads to transection of a significant number of muscle fibres.