title: An extensive posterior approach of the elbow with osteotomy of the medial epicondyle.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study describes a posterior approach to the elbow for placement of a total elbow prosthesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Release of the medial collateral ligament is achieved by performing an osteotomy of the medial epicondyle. This allows anatomic refixation of the origin of the medial collateral ligament. A description of the posterior approach is given. Standard radiographs were used to analyze the bone-to-bone refixation of the osteotomy of the medial epicondyle in 13 elbows.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Radiographs showed proper bone healing in all elbows, with restoration of the anatomic origin of the medial collateral ligament.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The described approach provides a good exposure of the elbow necessary for the placement of modern total elbow prostheses, without compromising the stability of the elbow. Refixation of stabilizing structures is relatively easy and results in an anatomic position of the ligaments.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Tergooi Hospital, Hilversum, The Netherlands. Electronic address: mdevos@tergooiziekenhuizen.nl.
authors: Maarten J
authors: MJ
authors: de Vos
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
authors: Marc L
authors: ML
authors: Wagener
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Radboud University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors: Nico
authors: N
authors: Verdonschot
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Upper Limb Unit, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands.
authors: Denise
authors: D
authors: Eygendaal
mesh_terms: D057929:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Elbow / Q000379:methods*; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000503:physiopathology; D004550:Elbow; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D058569:Elbow Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
keywords: Elbow; approach; osteotomy; prosthesis; surgical exposure