Osteoplastic method: A, by external incision; B, von Mosetig-Moorhof.
The essential incision is a long posterior one, which may be somewhat modified ([Figs. 215], [216] and [217]). It is essential here to avoid the ulnar nerve, which passes between the internal epicondyle and the olecranon, and the vessels and nerves in front of the joint. If it be made an inviolable rule to always keep close to the bone both of these dangers may be avoided. Ligamentous and muscular structures, among the latter the anconeus, should be spared as much as possible. After separating the joint surfaces thoroughly, by forced flexion, it is usually easier to force out the lower end of the humerus and first remove it, after which the upper ends of the radius and ulna are exposed and removed. When there is bony ankylosis it is preferable to divide the bones of the forearm first. The tendon of the triceps is not only detached from the olecranon, but divided by the first long incision. After concluding the incision, the capsule, if it remains, is to be closed with chromic catgut sutures and the end of the triceps tendon or some of its periosteal attachment united to the periosteum of the upper end of the ulna.
The arm is now fixed in the right-angle position and held comfortably to the body by a suitable sling.
The Wrist.
—It is rare that in disease of the wrist-joint this is found to be limited to a single bone of the carpus. Should an x-ray examination indicate such limitation then the focus can be exposed and cleaned by an incision upon the dorsum of the wrist, where it may seem best adapted for the purpose. Suppurative and tuberculous affections of the wrist usually necessitate removal of the carpal bones, including, possibly, the lower extremities of the ulna and radius. When the wrist-joint is involved it may be sufficient to remove the latter with the first row of the carpus.
[Fig. 218] illustrates the incisions to be recommended for wrist resection, of which the Langenbeck line is to be preferred. Occasionally two lateral incisions, with through drainage, will better serve the purpose. It may be necessary to divide the short radial extensor, but this may be united again with suture. In most instances it is possible to retract the tendons to either side and thus clear the carpal region. By hyperextension the extensor tendons are relaxed and more room is thus made. The incision marked “A” combined with that marked “B” in [Fig. 218], affords the best exposure when disease is extensive. The incision along the inner border of the wrist is made 5 Cm. above the styloid process of the ulna, and between the latter and the ulnar flexor down to the middle of the last metacarpal bone. Here the tendon of the latter muscle should be divided at its insertion and lifted out of its groove in the ulna. The collection of extensor tendons is then separated from the back of the wrist and lifted up, it being usually necessary to divide the unciform process of the unciform bone with forceps. The knife should be kept from the palmar surfaces of the metacarpal bones in order to avoid injury to the deep arch. After dividing the anterior radiocarpal ligament the carpus is extirpated through the ulnar incision. The ends of the ulna and radius are now easily accessible for removal with forceps or a metacarpal saw. The same is also true of the proximal ends of the metacarpals. After spreading the hand and forearm upon a flat splint drainage can be made to the desired extent and the wound closed.
Fig. 218
Excision of the wrist: A, Lister’s radial incision; B, Lister’s ulnar incision; C, Ollier; D, von Langenbeck.
Fig. 219