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POSTEROLATERAL/ANCONEUS APPROACH

USES

This approach to the radial head is easy and safe. It is generally used for radial head resections or open reduction internal fixation of radial head fractures.

ADVANTAGES

This approach is easy.

DISADVANTAGES

This approach is limited to the radial head or capitellum. It is not suitable for proximal or distal extension.

STRUCTURES AT RISK

It is difficult to get lost with this exposure. The radial nerve is at risk anteriorly, but you would need to be far anterior to reach it. The posterior interosseous branch in the supinator muscle is at risk if the dissection is carried distal to the annular ligament. Pronation of the forearm moves this nerve farther away from the approach.

TECHNIQUE

The incision starts at the lateral epicondyle and then proceeds at a 45-degree angle in relation to the axis of the humerus toward the ulna. After splitting the subcutaneous tissue, the oblique fibers of the anconeus are identified. The capsule is opened along the anterior aspect of those fibers, exposing the radial head and the capitellum.

Related posts:

Plantar Metatarsal Head Approach Anterior Approach to the Distal Thigh and Femur Anterolateral Approach to the Tibia Deltopectoral Approach Posterior Approach Anterior Approach to the Cervical Spine

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