Variations and proximal branching types of the superficial branch of the radial nerve: A dissectional study.

BACKGROUND

The superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) innervates skin of dorsoradial aspect of hand, thumb, index finger and a half of middle finger. While the anatomical variations are of clinical relevance, several studies aimed to describe different branching types over the radial foveola. The aim of this study was to describe branching pattern as well as anatomical variations of the SBRN in a large sample of body donors' limbs.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Two hundred and four formaldehyde fixed body donors' upper limbs of Central European origin were dissected. The branching of the SBRN and adjacent structures was measured in relationship to the styloid process of the radius. Four branching types based on the number of SBRN branches and their course were described, the number of secondary and tertiary branches and the main branching points were measured.

RESULTS

We have identified four types of the proximal SBRN branching. While there exists a high variability in the nerve branching, over 90 % of dissected limbs had one of the two most common patterns of branching (while 88 % had the most common branching type). We have observed connection with the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve in 19/204 cases (9.3 %).

CONCLUSION

Despite the high variability in the location of SBRN branching and number of secondary branches, the majority of cases represents a single type of proximal branching. With the sample exceeding 200 limbs, we were able to observe rare variations. The branching classification is easily understandable and could be further expanded by subsequent research.