The Anconeus Flap Transolecranon Approach to the Distal Humerus

The transolecranon approach for the treatment of distal humerus fractures and nonunions is commonly used. A complication of the standard osteotomy is denervation of the anconeus muscle, which provides dynamic stability to the lateral side of the elbow by preventing varus and posterolateral rotatory instability. This article describes the anconeus flap transolecranon (AFT) approach, which utilizes an internervous plane to preserve the anconeus muscle and a chevron-shaped osteotomy for maximal joint exposure. The approach is straightforward to perform with limited complications.