scholarly journals The Branching and Innervation Pattern of the Radial Nerve in the Forearm: Clarifying the Literature and Understanding Variations and Their Clinical Implications

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 366 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Kip Sawyer ◽  
Joshua J. Stefanik ◽  
Rebecca S. Lufler
Keyword(s):  
Radial Nerve ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Innervation Pattern ◽  
Extensor Pollicis Longus ◽  
Branching Order ◽  
Superficial Branch ◽  
Muscular Branch ◽  
Proximal Forearm ◽  
Extensor Carpi Radialis

Background: This study attempted to clarify the innervation pattern of the muscles of the distal arm and posterior forearm through cadaveric dissection. Methods: Thirty-five cadavers were dissected to expose the radial nerve in the forearm. Each muscular branch of the nerve was identified and their length and distance along the nerve were recorded. These values were used to determine the typical branching and motor entry orders. Results: The typical branching order was brachialis, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, supinator, extensor digitorum, extensor carpi ulnaris, abductor pollicis longus, extensor digiti minimi, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus and extensor indicis. Notably, the radial nerve often innervated brachialis (60%), and its superficial branch often innervated extensor carpi radialis brevis (25.7%). Conclusions: The radial nerve exhibits significant variability in the posterior forearm. However, there is enough consistency to identify an archetypal pattern and order of innervation. These findings may also need to be considered when planning surgical approaches to the distal arm, elbow and proximal forearm to prevent an undue loss of motor function. The review of the literature yielded multiple studies employing inconsistent metrics and terminology to define order or innervation.

The Innervation Pattern of the Radial Nerve at the Elbow and in the Forearm

1998 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. BRANOVACKI ◽  
M. HANSON ◽  
R. CASH ◽  
M. GONZALEZ
Keyword(s):  
Radial Nerve ◽  
Sensory Nerve ◽  
Extensor Digitorum ◽  
Sensory Nerves ◽  
Posterior Interosseous Nerve ◽  
Extensor Pollicis Longus ◽  
Abductor Pollicis Longus ◽  
Extensor Carpi Ulnaris ◽  
Wide Variability ◽  
Extensor Carpi Radialis

Sixty paired cadaver forearms were dissected to examine the distribution of the radial nerve branches to the muscles at the elbow and forearm. Emphasis was placed on the innervation of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and the supinator muscles because of discrepancies in the literature concerning these muscles. The most common branching pattern (from proximal to distal) was to brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, superficial sensory, extensor carpi radialis brevis, supinator, extensor digitorum/extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digiti minimi, abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus and extensor indicis. The branch to extensor digitorum and extensor carpi ulnaris came off as a common stem often with the branch to extensor digiti minimi. The branch to the ECRB muscle was noted to arise from the posterior interosseous nerve in 45%, superficial sensory nerve in 25% and at the bifurcation of the posterior interosseous and superficial sensory nerves in 30% of specimens. The supinator had an average of 2.3 branches from the posterior interosseous nerve (range 1–6). The branches to the supinator showed a wide variability proximal to and within the supinator.

scholarly journals Extensor Carpi Radialis brevis: Review of Anatomy and Clinical Significance to Orthopedics

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-08
Author(s):  
Jennifer L Smith ◽  
Jacob B Stirton ◽  
Nabil A Ebraheim
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Radial Nerve ◽  
Lateral Epicondylitis ◽  
Extensor Digitorum ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Extensor Digitorum Communis ◽  
Lateral Epicondyle ◽  
The Third ◽  
Proper Management ◽  
Extensor Carpi Radialis

The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle is an integral extensor and abductor of the wrist. It originates from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, laying deep to the extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor digitorum communis, and superficial to the supinator. Insertion occurs at the base of the third metacarpal. The radial nerve or a derivative supplies innervation. Its significance in orthopedics is highlighted by its involvement in multiple surgical approaches, such as the Thompson and Kaplan approaches for exposure of the radius, as well as its association with several routinely observed pathologies. Many of the associated syndromes, such as lateral epicondylitis, arise from repetitive gripping motions or overuse and are frequently seen in the orthopedic clinic. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive summary of the relevance of the ECRB to the orthopedic setting to broaden knowledge of its anatomy and increase recognition and proper management of associated pathologies.

Analysis of Tsuge's Procedure for the Treatment of Radial Nerve Paralysis

Hand Surgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 17-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Ishida ◽  
Y. Ikuta
Keyword(s):  
Radial Nerve ◽  
Wrist Joint ◽  
Middle Finger ◽  
Metacarpophalangeal Joint ◽  
Extensor Pollicis Longus ◽  
Nerve Paralysis ◽  
Radial Deviation ◽  
Pronator Teres ◽  
Extensor Carpi Radialis

Radial deviation and limited flexion of the wrist joint and a lack of abduction of the thumb have been noticed after the Riordan's procedure. Therefore, Tsuge et al. modified the Riordan's procedure, and their procedure includes transfer of the pronator teres to the extensor carpi radialis brevis, the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) to the extensor digitorum communis (EDC), and the palmaris longus to the extensor pollicis longus, along with tenodesis of the abductor pollicis longus. We reviewed the charts of 21 patients with isolated radial nerve paralysis who were treated with the Tsuge's procedure. Mean follow-up period was 11.3 years. Postoperatively, patients showed good extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint measured at the middle finger, useful flexion of the wrist joint, and decreased radial deviation of the wrist. The FCR transfer to the EDC is an excellent procedure for extension of the fingers. However, reconstruction of active abduction of the thumb remains controversial.

scholarly journals Relationship between the Branching Patterns of the Radial Nerve and Supinator Muscle

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Anna Jeon ◽  
Ye-Gyung Kim ◽  
Seong-Oh Kwon ◽  
Je-Hun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Radial Nerve ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Styloid Process ◽  
Posterior Compartment ◽  
Lateral Epicondyle ◽  
Deep Branch ◽  
Supinator Muscle ◽  
Superficial Branch ◽  
Branching Points ◽  
Extensor Carpi Radialis

The posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) innervates the posterior compartment muscle of the forearm and is a continuation of the deep branch of the radial nerve. The anatomic descriptions of PIN vary among different authors. This study investigated the distribution patterns of PIN and its relationships to the supinator muscle. This study investigated which nerves innervate the posterior compartment muscles of the forearm, the radial nerve, and the PIN, using 28 nonembalmed limbs. Also, the points where the muscle attaches to the bone were investigated. The measured variables in this study were measured from the most prominent point of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (LEH) to the most distal point of the radius styloid process. For each specimen, the distance between the above two points was assumed to be 100%. The measurement variables were the attachment area of the supinator and branching points from the radial nerve. The attachment points of the supinator to the radius and ulna were 47.9 % ± 3.6 % and 31.5 % ± 5.2 % , respectively, from the LEH. In 67.9% of the specimens, the brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) were innervated by the radial nerve before superficial nerve branching, and the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) innervated the deep branch of the radial nerve. In 21.4% of the limbs, the nerve innervating the ECRB branched at the same point as the superficial branch of the radial nerve, whereas it branched from the radial nerve in 7.1% of the limbs. In 3.6% of the limbs, the deep branch of the radial nerve branched to innervate the ECRL. PIN was identified as a large branch without divisions in 10.7% and as a deep branch innervating the extensor digitorum in 14.3% of the limbs. The anatomic findings of this study would aid in the diagnosis of PIN syndromes.

Insidious Onset Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm in a Teenager: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (03) ◽  
pp. 481-484
Author(s):  
Hidetoshi Iwata ◽  
Hideki Okamoto ◽  
Yohei Kawaguchi ◽  
Kojiro Endo ◽  
Yuji Joyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Compartment Syndrome ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Upper Extremities ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Right Hand ◽  
Insidious Onset ◽  
Forearm Compartment Syndrome ◽  
Cash Register ◽  
Proximal Forearm

Compartment syndrome affecting the upper extremities is a relatively underreported event compared with compartment syndrome affecting the lower extremities. Moreover, insidious onset forearm compartment syndrome has been rarely reported and is usually limited to single case reports. We report a compartment syndrome of the forearm in a teenager. She hit her right proximal forearm lightly on the cash register, but there was no pain. However, the next day, she had difficulty in moving her right hand. Although she underwent electrotherapy, her right forearm gradually became swollen, and she felt numbness in the ring and little fingers of her right hand. Six day after the onset, she came to our hospital and underwent fasciotomy. There was no aftereffect, and very good functional recovery was obtained. All clinicians need to keep the case of forearm compartment syndrome in a young individual with a diffuse course, such as in this case in mind.

scholarly journals MRI Study on the Distance between the Distal Radius and the Flexor and Extensor Tendons: Is There Any Room for Error/Hardware?

2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (06) ◽  
pp. 470-476
Author(s):  
Minke Bergsma ◽  
Jemara Board ◽  
Job N. Doornberg ◽  
Inger Sierevelt ◽  
Mark Rickman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distal Radius ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Dorsal Side ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Dorsal Cortex ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Extensor Pollicis Longus ◽  
Extensor Tendons ◽  
Flexor Digitorum ◽  
Extensor Carpi Radialis

Abstract Purpose This study aims to quantify the distances between the cortex of the distal radius and flexor and extensor tendons. Methods We analyzed 50 magnetic resonance images (MRI) of intact wrist without pathology. The distances between the volar cortex and the flexor pollicis longs (FPL), index flexor digitorum profunduns (FDPi), flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) were measured at the level of the watershed line and 3- and 6-mm proximal to this level. The distances between the dorsal cortex and the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), extensor pollicis longus (EPL), extensor indicis proprius (EIP), and the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) were measured at the level of Lister's tubercle and 5-mm distal to this level. Analysis was descriptive. Results At the watershed line, the FPL, FDPi, FDP, and FDS were located at an average of 3.1, 2.4, 3.6, and 5.1 mm, respectively, volar to the volar cortex. The distances of the FDP and FDS increased at 3-mm proximal to the watershed line and increased for all four tendons at 6-mm proximal to the watershed line. Dorsally, at Listers' tubercle the ECRL, ECRB, EPL, EIP, and EDC were identified at an average of 0.7, 0.5, 0.5, 2.6, and 3.2 mm, respectively, dorsal to the dorsal cortex of the distal radius. At 5-mm more distal, these tendons were located on average 1.2, 1.0, 0.7, 1.9, and 1.8 mm, respectively, dorsal to the dorsal cortex. Conclusion On the volar side, on average there is enough room for a volar plate when staying proximal to the watershed line. On the dorsal side, there is virtually no room for protruding screws as physical anatomical space is limited to a maximum of 0.7 mm from cortex to the closest tendon (the FDP), with screw increments being 2 mm. Level of Evidence This is a Level II Study.

scholarly journals Use of Osteofasciocutaneous Fibular Free Flap and Radial Head Arthroplasty in Trauma for Limb Salvage and Continued Elbow Function

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Catherine Kilmartin ◽  
Katharine D. Harper ◽  
Chirag Mehta ◽  
Joseph Thoder ◽  
Andrew Newman
Keyword(s):  
Limb Salvage ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Radial Head ◽  
Radial Head Prosthesis ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Joint Function ◽  
Radial Head Arthroplasty ◽  
Elbow Function ◽  
Fibular Free Flap ◽  
Proximal Forearm

Reconstructive flaps have revolutionized the ability of surgeons to restore function and cosmesis for patients. While reconstructive flaps have been used to bridge large defects due to oncologic or congenital maladies necessitating large debridements, few cases have observed salvage flaps in traumas which provide additional challenges secondary to an injury trajectory. This case report details use of an osteofasciocutaneous fibular free flap and radial head prosthesis to restore forearm function in a 64-year-old female with a comminuted fracture of the proximal radius. The patient has sustained a 5.5 cm epiphyseal radial defect with an associated 20 × 15 cm overlying tissue defect after serial debridement. In review of the literature, only one nontraumatic case using a combined free flap and radial head prosthesis for proximal forearm defect to restore joint function has been reported. We suggest that, for proximal forearm fractures, this technique can be used to restore elbow joint function in limb salvage.

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