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T riceps S plit and S nip approach to the elbow: surgical technique and biomechanical evaluation
Author(s) -
Poon Peter C.,
Foliaki Supileo,
Young Simon W.,
Eisenhauer David
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.12131
Subject(s) - medicine , cadaveric spasm , elbow , humerus , surgery , orthodontics
Background A number of posterior approaches to the elbow have been described, which vary in the quality of the exposure and morbidity to the triceps mechanism. We describe an adapted technique, the T riceps S plit and S nip, which may offer improved surgical exposure during posterior approach to the elbow. We aimed to compare the strength of the triceps repair in this approach to a more traditional approach described by B ryan and M orrey. Methods Sixteen pairs of cadaveric elbows were randomized by surgical group and operative side. The T riceps S plit and S nip and B ryan‐ M orrey approaches were each performed on eight specimens, followed by repair of the triceps; the contralateral elbow served as the control. The specimens were then mounted on a material testing system and a constant velocity elongation was applied. Results The mean load to failure for the B ryan‐ M orrey group was 421 N (range 349–536 N ). While the T riceps S plit and S nip group was 388 N (range 267–550 N ). The percentage ultimate strength loss was 40% for both groups. No significant difference was found in comparing the mean load to failure between the T riceps S plit and S nip approach and the B ryan‐ M orrey approach. Conclusions The T riceps S plit and S nip approach is a technically simple approach to perform and repair, and provides excellent exposure of the elbow and distal humerus. The tensile strength of the triceps repair following this approach is equivalent to that of the B ryan‐ M orrey approach.