Lateral approach to the distal humerus

Indications

  • Lateral epicondyle
    • ORIF
    • Tennis elbow

Position

  • Supine
  • Tourniquet
  • Arm draped free and lay across chest

Landmarks

  • Lateral epicondyle
  • Lateral supracondylar ridge

Incision

  • 5 cm longitudinal incision centred over lateral supracondylar ridge

Internervous Plane

  • Triceps
    • Radial nerve
  • Brachioradialis
    • Radial nerve

Superficial Dissection

  • Deep fascia
  • Develop plane between brachioradialis & triceps
  • Cut between these muscles down to bone
    • Reflecting BR anteriorly
    • Triceps posteriorly

Deep Dissection

  • Reflect common extensor origin & triceps as needed

Dangers

  • Nerve
    • Radial