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Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics
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Aspiration of Elbow Joint



- Discussion:
    - elbow can be entered either ulnarly or radially, but radial approach
            is preferred inorder to avoid ulnar nerve injury;
    - radial nerve is lies anterior to the elbow joint, and may be moved even more
            anteriorly by supinating the forearm;
    - landmarks for aspiration of the elbow joint are the radial head, lateral
            epicondyle, and tip of the olecranon (aconeus triangle);
    - prior to needle insertion, elbow flexed and pronated to protect the radial nerve;
    - 18 gauge needle is then place into the joint thru the soft spot;
    - w/ this approach, needle will penetrate only the anconeus & capsule;





Avoiding nerve damage during elbow arthroscopy.







Original Text by Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD.