Abstract:

Objective　To study the anatomy of anterior neurovascular and relevant structures of the elbow to provide better surgical approach for the elbow.　Method　The upper extremities of 10 adult cadavers that were fixed by formaldehyde and perfused with latex from the artery, were dissected for observation of anatomic structures of the anteromedial approach of the elbow.  Dissection was performed first in the space between the brachioradialis and the pronator teres to access the neurovascular interval between the medial nerve, and the brachial artery and ulnar artery, though which the median nerve and the brachial artery, radial artery and ulnar artery and their branches were exposed. The radial branches of artery and their diameter in themselves and the ulnar branches of artery were observed and measured, the distance between these branches and the fork of radial and ulnar artery were measured, the median and its branches anatomical characteristics and the distance of no intersecting branches between nerve and artery were observed and measured.　Results　There was no intersecting branches between the median nerve and brachial artery and its average length was 6.04 cm, and the interval between the median nerve and brachial artery was loose and easy to be retracted. The medial branches of the artery were smaller in number and diameter than the lateral branches of the artery, making it easy to retract the artery laterally. The branches of the median nerve almost all extended medially, and the angle between the branch and the main trunk was very small, making them almost parallel. Therefore, the medial retraction of the median nerve can be easy.　Conclusion　The anterior anatomical structures of the elbow can be clearly and easily exposed through the anteromedial neurovascular interval approach, and the vessel and nerve can be protected.

Key words: Surgical approach, Anteromedial approach of elbow, Neurovascular interval, Applied anatomy