Surgical approach to the axillary nerve via an anterior trans-coracoid route

The surgical approach to the circumflex nerve is difficult. Based on an illustrative clinical example, the authors describe a method using a coracoid osteotomy that permits a simplified approach to the circumflex nerve. This trick permits en bloc retraction of the superficial plane of the brachial plexus without sectioning of the muscle and without excessive traction on the musculocutaneous nerve. The stable fixation of the coracoid at the end of the procedure permits early and effective rehabilitation.