Fingerbreadths Rule in Determining the Safe Zone of the Radial Nerve and Posterior Interosseous Nerve for a Lateral Elbow Approach: An Anatomic Study

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a safe zone rule could be applied to prevent iatrogenic injuries to the radial nerve (RN); and determine whether there is a relationship between the diameter of the radial head and capitellum and the distance of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) to the radiocapitellar joint. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were used to measure the distances between the RN and the lateral epicondyle; the PIN and the radiocapitellar joint; the lateral epicondyle and the PIN as it crossed the ulnohumeral joint; the diameter of the radial head; the width of the capitellum; and the fingerbreadths of the specimens. RESULTS: Four fingerbreadths determined a safe zone between the lateral epicondyle and the RN proximally at the point at which it pierced the intermuscular septum and the mid-lateral portion of the humeral shaft. Two fingerbreadths provided a safe zone for the PIN from the radiocapitellar joint to the midpoint of the axis of the radius only with the forearm in pronation. CONCLUSION: A four-finger rule, two-finger rule, and radial head diameter or capitellum size may predict a safe zone for the RN and PIN except for the segment of the nerve where it crosses the anterior cortex of either the humerus or radius. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Preclinical cadaveric study