Incision for the ulnar approach to the distal ulna, a straight line between extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi ulnaris along the subcutaneous border. The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve lies close to the distal end. Image from van Rossenberg LX, van de Wall B, Diwersi N, Scheuble L, Beeres F, van Heijl M, Ferree S. Surgical fixation of distal ulna neck and head fractures. Oper Orthop Traumatol. 2023, 35(6), 329-340. CC BY 4.0.
Cross-section through the middle of the forearm. The posterior border of the ulna lies under the skin, between flexor carpi ulnaris and extensor carpi ulnaris. Image by Henry Vandyke Carter, Gray’s Anatomy (1918), Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
Position
- Supine
- Arm across the chest
Landmarks
- Subcutaneous border of the ulna
Incision
- Linear longitudinal incision over subcutaneous border of ulna
Internervous Plane
Superficial Dissection
- Begin distally
- Incise deep fascia along same line as skin incision
- Down to subcutaneous border of ulna
Deep Dissection
- Incise periosteum
- Subperiosteal dissection
Dangers
Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.
