Editor's choiceAnatomical Cadaver Study of the Hotchkiss Over-the-Top Approach for Exposing the Anteromedial Facet of the Ulnar Coronoid Process: Critical Measurements and Implications for Protecting the Median Nerve

PurposeTo measure distances from anatomical landmarks to the median nerve, and estimate the length of the flexor-pronator/flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) detachment necessary to expose the anteromedial facet of the ulnar coronoid process (UCP) using the Hotchkiss over-the-top approach.MethodsDissections were made of 20 fresh-frozen cadaveric upper limbs. Measurements were made of the shortest distance from the medial epicondyle to the median nerve, the distance from the medial epicondyle to the median nerve in line with the flexor-pronator/FCU interval, the shortest distance from the apex of the UCP to the median nerve, and the length of the flexor-pronator/FCU detachment necessary to expose the anteromedial facet of the UCP. Measurements were also made of the length of the ulnar insertion of the brachialis muscle and the shortest distances from the proximal and distal insertions of the brachialis muscle to the median nerve.ResultsThe distances and lengths were as follows: medial epicondyle to median nerve, 31 ± 3 mm; in line with the flexor-pronator/FCU interval, 43 ± 5 mm; from the apex of the UCP to the median nerve, 7 ± 2 mm; the detachment necessary to expose the UCP, 47 ± 6 mm; the ulnar insertion of the brachialis muscle, 27 ± 4 mm; and the proximal and distal insertions of the brachialis muscle to the median nerve, 14 ± 2 mm and 5 ± 1 mm, respectively.ConclusionsThe length of the flexor-pronator/FCU detachment necessary to expose the anteromedial facet of the UCP was similar to the distance from the medial epicondyle to the median nerve in line with the flexor-pronator/FCU interval. The distance from the distal insertion of the brachialis muscle to the median nerve was 5 mm.Clinical relevanceThe results of our study provide information on important points for surgeons to consider when performing distal exposure using the Hotchkiss over-the-top approach.