Anatomical variations in the sensory innervation of the dorsal surface of the first digit space, a cadaveric study with clinical consequences.

INTRODUCTION

Radial nerve palsy is a classical complication of a humeral shaft fracture. In clinical practice, motor palsy of the radial nerve is sometimes observed without an abnormality felt in the sensory territory.

HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesised that this dissociation between sensory and motor involvement is related to anatomical variations of the sensory innervation of the dorsal surface of the first digit space, thus, we decided to study the nature and frequency of these variations.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cadaveric study was conducted on 24 upper limbs to analyse the truncal origin of the sensory branches innervating the dorsal surface of the first digit space.

RESULTS

The sensory branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) participated in the innervation of the dorsal surface of the first digit space in 22 limbs, an anatomical variation was present in 2 cases with a mixed innervation by the SBRN and the lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm (LCNF) in 1 case and singular innervation by LCNF, with no SBRN involvement, in 1 case. Communications between SBRN and LCNF were found in 7 cases.

DISCUSSION: Pure motor radial damage, without a sensory deficit of the dorsal surface of the first digit space, does not preclude a complete traumatic injury of the radial nerve. The sensory innervation of this region can be relayed by a branch of the LCNF.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; cadaveric study.