Using Cadaver Specimens to Better Understand Ulnar Nerve to Median Nerve Transfers

Abstract

The recurrent branch of the median nerve innervates the thenar muscles. Therefore, injury to the median nerve as it courses from the axilla to the hand has profound negative effects on the functional use of the thumb. The surgical procedure of peripheral nerve transplants in order to regain function in denervated muscle is well documented. Using the lumbrical branch of the ulnar nerve to the 4th digit as a nerve transplant with the recurrent branch of the median nerve in order to regain function is not well documented. As such, the capacity of grafting these ulnar nerve branches from their anatomical position including neuron count of each nerve and their ability to be spliced together was investigated. Cadaveric dissections were performed to document the distribution of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve as it enters the lumbrical musculature and the recurrent branch of the median nerve as it courses through the carpal tunnel. After the dissection was completed, the ulnar branch to the lumbrical muscle was drawn towards the recurrent branch of the median nerve. Using a digital camera, and electronic calipers the nerves were photographed for visual confirmation of the ability to transfer and measured to compare the size of the nerves. Sections of each branch were then studied for a comparison of neuron counts. Data suggests the nerve transfer to be a viable option, and could assist neurosurgeons in performing surgeries to help patients regain functionality in their thenar muscles. A continuation of data collection will allow greater insight into the number of neurons that can potentially re‐innervate the thenar muscles as well as assist in desired surgical outcomes.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.