Digastric olecranon osteotomy: feasibility study of a new approach to the elbow.
OBJECTIVE
None of the multiple posterior approaches to the elbow simultaneously satisfies the following three properties: good articular surface exposure, attention to the extensor apparatus continuity and olecranon vascularization. This study aims to describe a new approach to the elbow: digastric olecranon osteotomy.


METHODS
Nine anatomical subjects were prepared. One-third underwent intra-articular digastric osteotomy, one-third extra-articular osteotomy and one-third a vascularization study using arteriography.


RESULTS
Digastric olecranon osteotomy, notably intra-articular, offered excellent articular exposure. After restoration, digastric stability was excellent. Olecranon vascularization was preserved using the two variations of digastric olecranon osteotomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Digastric olecranon osteotomy preserves the principal vascular supply of the olecranon and the continuity of the extensor apparatus. Articular surface exposure is excellent, and the natural coaptation of the digastric enables immediate mobilization without any theoretical risk of deconstruction.
Cottias
Pascal
P
Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, Victor Dupouy Hospital, 95107, Argenteuil, France.
Camara
Keith B
KB
Clavert
Philippe
P
Kahn
Jean Luc
JL
Liverneaux
Philippe André
PA
D002102:Cadaver; D004550:Elbow; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D056740:Olecranon Process / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*