Maximum success in skeletal surgery depends on adequate access to and exposure of the skeleton. Skeletal surgery is simplified and expedited when the involved parts are sufficiently exposed. In orthopedic surgery, especially of the appendicular skeleton, a basic rule is to select the most direct approach possible to the underlying bone. Thus, incisions are usually placed very near the area of interest while major nerves and blood vessels are retracted. This involves little regard for aesthetics, allowing the orthopedics surgeon greater leeway in the location, direction, and length of the incision
