The Medial “Over the Top” Approach to the Elbow

Summary: The authors present a modified medial approach to the elbow, which allows for extensile exposure to the anterior, posterior, and medial aspects of the joint. Included is a detailed discussion of the limits and the dangers of the approach that highlights the neurovascular structures in close proximity to this approach. This medial approach to the elbow is specifically useful for both posttraumatic and nontraumatic sources of elbow contracture, as well as for complex fractures and dislocations. Details of the approach are discussed.