Anatomical study of sensory anastomoses in the hand

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, topography and morphometry of sensitive nervous anastomoses in the hand. Methods: Thirty anatomic parts irrespective of race, gender and age have been dissected. Measurements of anastomoses' length, origin and terminus regarding the transverse carpal ligament were noted. The anastomoses were classified according to the scheme proposed by Meals & Shaner and modified by Bas & Kleinert. Results: Type 1 anastomosis was the most prevalent. The distance between the origin of the anastomosis to the distal limit of the transverse carpal ligament was 0.7 cm in average. Conclusion: This study showed that Berretini anastomosis is high prevalent, usually beginning in the ulnar and distal nerve until the transverse carpal ligament. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Median and ulnar nerve anastomoses in the upper limb: A meta‐analysis

“…For RCA, 4 studies reporting data were cadaver, and 2 were electrophysiological . A total of 10 studies concerning BA were cadaver, and only 1 was electrophysiological…”

“…Data on types of BA were reported in 10 studies ( n = 486 hands) . The analysis found that the most frequent type of BA was type 1, with a pooled prevalence of 86.2% (95% CI, 77.3%–91.6%).…”

“…D). It is a neural connection between the common digital nerves arising from the MN and UN . The reported prevalence of Berrettini anastomosis (BA) is extremely wide, with rates varying from 4% to 94% .…”

“…Berrettini anastomosis is believed to be a purely sensory CB which supplies innervation to the ulnar part of the middle finger and the radial part of the ring finger, demonstrated by hyperesthesia in these parts in patients with BA injury . Despite being known for centuries, a true in‐depth exploration of BA has not been reported …”

“…It is a neural connection between the common digital nerves arising from the MN and UN. 1,16 The reported prevalence of Berrettini anastomosis (BA) is extremely wide, with rates varying from 4% to 94%. 1 As most studies report incidences of BA to be greater than 80%, most researchers consider BA to be a part of normal anatomy rather than an anatomical variant.…”