Communication between radial nerve and medial cutaneous nerve of forearm

Abstract

Radial nerve is usually a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. It innervates triceps, anconeous, brachialis, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus muscles and gives the posterior cutaneous nerve of the arm, lower lateral cutaneous nerve of arm, posterior cutaneous nerve of forearm; without exhibiting any communication with the medial cutaneous nerve of forearm or any other nerve. We report communication between the radial nerve and medial cutaneous nerve of forearm on the left side in a 58-year-old male cadaver. The right sided structures were found to be normal. Neurosurgeons should keep such variations in mind while performing the surgeries of axilla and upper arm.

Unusual bilateral sensory innervation of the dorsum of hand by lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve: a case report

“…In 2007, Huanmanop et al [ 14 ] concluded that connections between the SBRN and the LABCN are common but replacements are rare and these variations are important to know in cases of peripheral nerve injuries. Several researchers studied branching patterns of the musculocutaneous nerve and radial nerves [ 15 16 ]. Tryfonidis et al [ 17 ] reported the variation in the course of the SBRN.…”

Anatomical Study of the Ulnar Nerve Variations at High Humeral Level and Their Possible Clinical and Diagnostic Implications

“…Very rarely might a communication be observed between ulnar nerve and medial cutaneous nerve of forearm. Medial cutaneous nerve of forearm is found to communicate with medial cutaneous nerve of arm [ 7 ] and radial nerve [ 16 ]. Das and Paul reported a case wherein the ulnar nerve was accompanied by the medial cutaneous nerve of forearm within a common fascial sheath [ 17 ].…”

Possible anastomoses between the long branches of the brachial plexus and their clinical significance

“… Pattern 1: Both nerves are completely fused, and the MN consists of three roots (this anastomosis occurred in about 19.2%) [29,30],  Pattern 2: There is a single interconnecting branch (the most common variation, prevalence 72.6%),  Pattern 3: There are two supplementary branches (about 6.8% in cadaveric studies) [9,25,26]. Marathe et al [54] ascribed this variation to the stage in embryo development when somites migrate and form buds (anlage of the limbs). At approximately the fifth week of intrauterine life, the forelimb muscles develop from the mesenchyme of the paraxial mesoderm.…”

“…Tropic substances such as brain-derived neurotropic growth factor, neutrin-1, neutrin-2, and c-kit ligand allow the appropriate growth cones to be attracted or selectively maintain those that follow the correct path. Variations in nerve distribution could result from altered signaling between mesenchymal cells and neuronal growth cones, or circulating factors, during fission of the brachial plexus [54].…”

“…After curving round to the back of the forearm it runs along the medial border to the wrist. It supplies part of the sensory innervation of the forearm and skin over the olecranon [2,[52][53][54].…”