Transolecranon approach to the distal humerus

1. General considerations

Introduction

This approach involves an osteotomy of the olecranon to give better access to the distal humerus.
There are several described patterns of osteotomy. The most commonly used technique is a
distally-based chevron osteotomy as this provides greatest access and has inherent rotational
stability. Problems associated with an olecranon osteotomy can be limited by using a careful and
meticulous technique for creating and repairing the osteotomy. All osteotomy fixations may
cause irritation which often needs later hardware removal.

An osteotomy should aim for the bare area of the greater sigmoid notch to avoid cartilage
damage. The bare area is a region within the articular surface that is devoid of cartilage. Its size
and orientation vary between individuals, but it is commonly identified by the narrowest part of
the greater sigmoid notch.

2. Skin incision

Make an incision centered on the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the humeral shaft.
Avoid placing the incision over the tip of the olecranon. Some surgeons make a straight incision
slightly medial or lateral, whereas others prefer a curved incision. The incision ends over the
ulnar diaphysis.

Elevate full-thickness fasciocutaneous flaps to protect the cutaneous nerves.

3. Ulnar nerve mobilization

Identify the ulnar nerve proximally along the medial border of the triceps. Release the ulnar
nerve through the cubital tunnel up until the first motor branch by incising the flexor-pronator
aponeurosis as the nerve passes between the two heads of flexor carpi ulnaris. Whenever
possible, take care to preserve the perineural vessels.
The nerve may be transposed or left in situ according to the surgeon’s preference, but it should
be tension free and not in contact with suture material or metalwork at the end of the procedure.
Take care to protect and be mindful of the nerve throughout the entire procedure.

Pitfall: If a vessel loop or sling is used around the nerve, it is recommended to avoid an artery
clip on the loop to minimize inadvertent traction on the nerve.

Note: The OR report should clearly describe how the ulnar nerve has been managed and the
location of the nerve at the end of the operation.

4. Preparing the osteotomy site

Determine the site of the osteotomy by subperiosteal reflection of the anconeus laterally and the
ulna head of FCU medially to expose the olecranon. Clear the bone with a small elevator at the
site of the planned osteotomy. Mark a chevron osteotomy with a distal apex.

Pearl: Drilling apex of chevron mark. It is recommended to drill a 2.5 mm bicortical hole at the
apex of the chevron mark. This will prevent notching of the ulna during use of the saw and will
prevent the risk of fracture propagation during osteotomy. The humeral cartilage may be
protected by using retractors or a gauze swab.

5. Performing the osteotomy

Use a fine oscillating saw to divide only up to three quarters of the depth of the bone. Use saline
irrigation to avoid overheating of the bone during sawing. Use an osteotome to complete the
osteotomy. Remember that the central ridge of the olecranon, which is strong, will need to be
divided deeper, using a narrow-bladed osteotome.

Note: The reason to use an osteotome to complete the osteotomy is to create an uneven fracture
surface that better interdigitates during osteotomy repair than a saw cut.

Fracture the subchondral bone by levering the osteotomy apart.

Note: Some surgeons prefer to perform the entire osteotomy with osteotomes rather than with a
power saw.
 6. Osteosynthesis of the olecranon osteotomy

The olecranon osteotomy should be fixed according to surgeon’s preference. The three main
options are:

 Cerclage compression wiring

 Intramedullary fixation
 Plate fixation