In a new surgical approach to the proximal part of the humerus, used in
eighteen patients, the distal part of the tendon of the deltoid muscle was
divided and the whole muscle was lifted up to give an excellent view of the
proximal one-third of the diaphysis, the metaphysis, the surgical neck, and
both tuberosities of the humerus. The exposure allowed visualization and
protection of the axillary nerve. Postoperatively the deltoid remained
functional and only the preoperative condition of the joint seemed to
prevent full recovery of function of the muscles in a few patients.