Thompson (1918) systematically describes anatomically safe surgical exposures for every long bone of the upper and lower extremity — radius, ulna, humerus, tibia, fibula, and femur — organized by bone segment. The paper establishes four governing principles (access, nerve preservation, muscle protection, vascular preservation) and defines specific intermuscular intervals, nerve-at-risk landmarks, and clinical indications for each approach.
The Thompson dorsal approach to the radius described in this paper continues to be taught and used as a safe, utilitarian option for radial shaft exposure, though its application for distal radius fractures has decreased over time.
Understanding this classic approach remains essential for managing forearm fractures and other pathology requiring radial exposure.
Thompson (1918) systematically describes anatomically safe surgical exposures for every long bone of the upper and lower extremity — radius, ulna, humerus, tibia, fibula, and femur — organized by bone segment. The paper establishes four governing principles (access, nerve preservation, muscle protection, vascular preservation) and defines specific intermuscular intervals, nerve-at-risk landmarks, and clinical indications for each approach.
The Thompson dorsal approach to the radius described in this paper continues to be taught and used as a safe, utilitarian option for radial shaft exposure, though its application for distal radius fractures has decreased over time.
Understanding this classic approach remains essential for managing forearm fractures and other pathology requiring radial exposure.