Exposure of the radial head for open reduction and internal fixation of fractures can be difficult and challenging. Moreover, on many occasions, the standard lateral exposure often does not afford the surgeon the necessary visualization to perform these difficult procedures. The proximal radioulna joint is essentially a hidden joint with difficult access. Hardware protrusion, fracture extension, and articular damage cannot be adequately evaluated through the lateral approach therefore we have used the posterolateral-subluxation approach to address many of these injuries.

The extensile exposure is a combination of the posterior and lateral approaches. This posterolateral approach provides the surgeon with the adequate exposure to perform intraoperative evaluation of the injury, internal fixation and prosthetic replacement if the fracture cannot be fixed. We have found this approach useful for addressing difficult radial head fractures.

Technique:

The technique will be described in a poster format.