The clinical anatomy of the communications between the radial and ulnar nerves on the dorsal surface of the hand

Abstract

Sensations of the dorsal surface of the hand are supplied by the radial and ulnar nerves with the boundary between these two nerves classically being the midline of the fourth digit. Overlap and variations of this division exist and a communicating branch (RUCB) between the radial and ulnar nerves could potentially explain variations in the sensory examination of the dorsal hand. The aim of this study was to examine the origin and distribution of the RUCB thereby providing information that may potentially decrease iatrogenic injury to this connection. We grossly examined 200 formalin-fixed adult human hands. A RUCB was found to be present in 120 hands (60%). Of the specimens with RUCBs, we were able to identify four notable types. Type I (71, 59.1%) originated proximally from the radial nerve and proceeded distally to join the ulnar nerve. Type II (23, 19.1%) originated proximally from the ulnar nerve and proceeded distally to join the radial nerve. Type III (4, 3.3%) traveled perpendicularly between the radial and ulnar nerves so that it was not possible to determine which nerve served as its point of origin. Type IV (18.3%) had multiple RUCBs arising from both the radial and ulnar nerves. With the continual development of new surgical techniques and the ongoing effort to decrease postoperative complications, it is hoped that this study will provide useful information to both anatomists and surgeons.

Multiple Variations of the Branches of the Brachial Plexus with Bilateral Connections between Ulnar and Radial Nerves

“…Although, there are reports of communications between the radial and ulnar nerves on the dorsal surface of the hand (Loukas et al, 2008b) including the cutaneous innervation of the ulnar dorsum of the hand by the radial nerve (Leis & Wells, 2008), there are no reports of bilateral communication between the ulnar and radial nerves at the humeral level from the literature reviewed. The communication between branches of the medial and posterior cords at the humeral level is a rare variation of the brachial plexus.…”

Anomalous innervations: variations and typical electromyography pattern

“…На тыльной поверхности кисти более чем у по-ловины здоровых лиц имеется анастомоз между по-верхностной чувствительной порцией лучевого нерва и дорсальной чувствительной ветвью локтевого нерва [31]. При таком анастамозе бо льшую поверхность ко-жи тыла кисти иннервирует поверхностная чувстви-тельная порция лучевого нерва.…”

Connection between Radial and Ulnar Nerves at Humeral Level And Its Clinical Significance: A Cadaveric Case Report

“…Although, there are abundant reports of communications between radial and ulnar nerves on the dorsal surface of the hand, and different types of these connections have been reported (Loukas et al, 2008), but connection between radial and ulnar nerves at humeral level, has not been reported greatly. In Uysal et al (2003) investigation that dissected 200 brachial plexus in human fetuses, 93 cases (46.5%) had no variations, while, variations in 53.5% of them were observed.…”