The forearm contains many muscles, nerves, and vascular
structures that change position on forearm rotation. Exposure of
the radial shaft is best achieved with the Henry (volar) or
Thompson (dorsal) approach. The volar flexor carpi radialis
approaches are used increasingly for exposure of the distal radius.
Although the dorsal approach is a safe utilitarian option with many
applications, its use for managing fracture of the distal radius has
waned. Potential complications associated with radial exposure
include injury to the superficial branch of the radial nerve, the
lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, and the cephalic vein. Dorsal
and ulnar proximal radial exposures are associated with increased
risk of injury to the posterior interosseous nerve. With surgical
exposure of the ulna, care is required to avoid injuring the dorsal
cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve.