The triceps preserving approach to total elbow arthroplasty.

Elbow arthroplasty most commonly is performed through a posterior approach by detaching or reflecting the triceps off the olecranon. Surgical approaches to the elbow joint that dissociate the triceps from the olecranon have distinct disadvantages. Triceps avulsion, triceps weakness, and wound healing problems have been reported. Such complications necessitate more surgery and predispose the joint to an infection. To avoid these complications a modified posterior approach to the elbow joint that preserves the triceps muscle insertion on the olecranon was used in 10 consecutive elbow arthroplasties. This method provides adequate exposure, allows early rehabilitation, and avoids triceps weakness.