[Total elbow joint arthroplasty. Surgical approaches]

The dorsal approach to the elbow joint is commonly used for arthroplasty of the joint and consists of different steps. The superficial approach including the incision of the skin and the preparation of subcutaneous tissue precedes the deep approach. The latter contains preparation and transposition of the ulnar nerve, relief of extensors and ligaments radiating into the articular capsule. Concerning the preparation of the extensors three important techniques are differentiated, triceps splitting, triceps reflecting and triceps preserving.