Posterior surgical approaches to the elbow: a simple method of comparison of the articular exposure

Purpose of the study Bilaterotricipital approach, triceps splitting and olecranon osteotomy are the three most common posterior approaches to the elbow. The aim of this study was to propose a simple technique to measure the exposure of distal articular surfaces of the humerus through these posterior surgical approaches. Materials and methods Each approach was performed on ten cadaver elbows. After the completion of each approach, the visible articular surface was painted yellow. The elbow was then disarticulated. The unexposed articulated surface (by the approach) was painted blue. The painted surfaces were then wrapped using a net with meshes. The articular percentage of exposure was measured by calculating the mesh occupied by each painted surface. Results The median exposed articular surface for the bilaterotricipital approach, the triceps splitting and the olecranon osteotomy was 26, 37 and 52%, respectively. Conclusion The method is easy to perform and is reproducible.