Communication Between Musculocutaneous and Median Nerves: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

The communication between musculocutaneous nerve and median nerve is an important anatomical variation to occur having serious implications during surgical procedures on arm if unnoticed and without prior knowledge. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in 80 upper limbs of 40 adult human cadavers (Female: 10 and Male: 30) in the Department of Anatomy, Siddhartha Medical College (Government), Vijayawada and the Department of Anatomy, N.R.I. Medical College, Guntur over a period of 4 years (2014 to 2018) during educational dissections.Results: The communication between musculocutaneous nerve and median nerve was observed in present study, which is classified in accordance with previous classifications described in the literature. In present study the incidence of communication between musculocutaneous nerve and median nerve is 25%. Conclusion:Prior knowledge of this communication between musculocutaneous and median nerves in the arm is important to avoid the surgical damage to the nerves and also explain unusual clinical presentation in shoulder injuries.