Background: Nerve transfers are planned based on the following parameters: location, number of branches, and axon count matching of the donor and recipient nerves. The authors have previously defined the former two in upper limb muscles. In the literature, axon counts are obtained from various sources, using different methods of histomorphometry. This study describes the axon counts of the same primary motor nerve branches from the authors’ previous study using a uniform method of manual histomorphometry and completes the authors’ blueprint of upper limb neuromuscular anatomy for reconstructive surgery. Methods: The distal ends of the primary nerve branches of 23 upper limb muscles were harvested from 10 fresh frozen cadaveric upper limbs. Manual quantitative histomorphometry was performed by two independent investigators, and the average was reported. Results: The primary nerve branches of the arm muscles had higher average axon counts (range, 882 to 1835) compared with those of the forearm muscles (range, 267 to 883). In the forearm, wrist flexor (range, 659 to 746) and extensor (range, 543 to 745) nerve branches had axons counts that were similar to those of potential donors (e.g., supinator, n = 602; pronator teres, n = 625; flexor digitorum superficialis, n = 883; and flexor digitorum profundus, n = 832). Conclusions: Apart from describing the axon counts of the upper limb, the authors have found that the forearm axon counts are very comparable. This insight, when combined with information on the location and number of primary nerve branches, will empower surgeons to tailor bespoke nerve transfers for every clinical situation.

Haemophilus influenzae is a rare cause of necrotizing fasciitis with only a few previously reported cases. We describe the case of a 44-year-old man who had necrotizing fasciitis of the right lower extremity develop after intramuscular injections of paracetamol on his right buttock. The causative organism isolated was Haemophilus influenzae serotype b. This unusual infection was treated with repeated débridement and culture-guided antibiotics. There was no recurrence of infection at last followup 1 year after the initial surgery. Wound coverage was achieved with the use of a full-thickness skin graft after application of platelet-rich plasma and a dermal regeneration template. This resulted in a cosmetically acceptable appearance of the involved extremity for our patient.

Nerve compression results in sensory and motor dysfunction. This dysfunction is initially progressive and follows the same pattern anywhere in the body. The same symptoms and signs are manifested in the distribution of the nerve affected. Nerves are compressed in fibro-osseous tunnels. Even though the symptom complex is known as compression neuropathy, the pathology also involves traction and adhesion. Anatomy is key to an organized examination that leads to an accurate clinical diagnosis. Management follows a set principle of multimodal nonsurgical treatment of patients with multiple levels of compression and surgical release of localized compression causing objective sensory and motor deficits.

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