Humeral shaft

Beach chair position

Antegrade nailing, anterolateral/anterior plating and external fixation may all be performed in the beach chair position.

It is helpful to place the trunk almost upright with an almost hanging arm to help reduce the fracture by ligamentotaxis and gravity.

Supine position

All anterior, anterolateral, lateral and medial approaches may be performed with the patient supine. It is the preferred position for anterior plating and external fixation. It is the position of choice in any emergency.

An additional arm table is recommended.

Lateral position

Posterior plating, retrograde nailing and external fixation may all be performed in the lateral position. This position may also be used for exploration of the radial nerve.

Prone position

Posterior plating and retrograde nailing may be performed in the prone position. This position may also be used for exploration of the radial nerve.