Anatomic relationship of the radial nerve to the elbow joint: Clinical implications of safe pin placement

Abstract

The percutaneous placement of lateral distal humeral pins risks injury to the radial nerve. We aimed to provide a reliable and safe parameter for the insertion of lateral distal humeral pins. A secondary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pin/screw placement in the intended zone of fixation at the lateral distal humerus. We dissected 70 fresh cadaveric upper limbs and the radial nerve was identified and its course followed into the anterior compartment. The point where the radial nerve crosses humerus in mid lateral plane was identified and the distance between this point and lateral epicondyle was measured, as was the maximum trans-epicondylar distance, along with the olecranon fossa height. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The average trans-epicondylar distance was measured at 62 +/- 6 mm (range 52-78 mm), and the average lateral radial nerve height was 102 +/- 10 mm (range 75-129 mm). The ratio of the lateral nerve height to the trans-epicondylar distance was an average of 1.7 +/- 0.2 (range 1.4-2.0). The Pearson correlation coefficient between the lateral nerve height and the trans-epicondylar distance was r = 0.95. A relative dimension, the trans-epicondylar distance is both reliable and easily accessible to the operating surgeon. The absolute safe zone for pin entry into the lateral distal humerus is that area lying within the caudad 70% of a line, equivalent in length to the patient's own trans-epicondylar distance, when projected proximally from the lateral epicondyle.