Lateral approach to the distal humerus

The lateral approach to the distal humerus may be used for access to:

Isolated lateral condyle fracture
Lateral epicondyle avulsion fracture
Coronal shear fractures of the capitellum or trochlea

The skin incision is centered over the lateral epicondyle. Proximally it can be extended along the lateral supracondylar ridge up until the radial nerve. Distally it is extended in the line of the radial head along the common extensor muscles.

Note: Be mindful of the radial nerve, which runs close to the radial head and neck. It divides into its superficial and deep branches at the level of the radial head.

Incise the deep fascia in line with the skin incision.

Proximally elevate the muscles and capsule subperiosteally from the lateral supracondylar ridge.

Distally split the common extensor muscles anterior to the lateral collateral ligament. This structure can be protected by splitting the muscles anterior to the equator of the radial head.

Note: Be careful when placing anterior retractors as the radial nerve is in close proximity. It is recommended to avoid using levered retractors or prolonged traction anterior to the radial head and neck.

If access to the posterior aspect of the lateral column is required, then elevate the lateral triceps and anconeus from the posterior aspect of the distal humerus. Take care not to divide the lateral collateral ligament in the distal part of the deep dissection.

For complex capitellar and trochlear fractures, the exposure can be extended by:

Performing a lateral epicondyle osteotomy
Reflecting the humeral attachment of the lateral collateral ligament
Exploiting an epicondyle fracture to reflect the lateral collateral ligament (common fracture fragment in coronal shear fractures)

This allows subluxation of the distal humerus and hinging open of the joint around the intact medial collateral ligament.