Background Identify the proximity of anatomic structures during the modified Henry approach (MHA). Methods Distances between median nerve (MN), palmar cutaneous branch (PCB), radial artery (RA) and the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) were measured at the wrist crease (WC), 5 and 10 cm proximal in 16 fresh frozen cadavers. The FPL origin and innervation was measured. Results Most at risk was the MN proximally and the PCB distally while the RA was safe. Innervation occurred at the proximal third of the FPL's origin along the ulnar aspect. Conclusion The MHA is safe when understanding the proximity of structures.