ABSTRACT
This chapter commences with an overview of the anatomy, biomechanics and common surgical approaches to the elbow before covering each of these potential injuries, and their treatment. The elbow is susceptible to a range of injuries that are entirely clinically distinct yet are treated via the same surgical approaches because of their anatomical proximity. The surgical approaches to the elbow may be viewed as forming a sequence of dissections using segments of, or the whole of, a single utility dorsal approach. However, complex intra-articular fractures with proximal extension beyond the distal third of the humeral diaphysis may require combined medial and lateral paratricipital approaches, with the addition of medial triceps reflection and ulnar nerve mobilization. Provided the distal extension of any paratricipital approach has not detached the extensor mechanism from the olecranon, such approaches can be combined with olecranon osteotomy if necessary.
