A comparative microanatomical study on cross sections of medial and lateral cutaneous nerves of forearm at the antecubital fossa: A cadaveric study

Abstract

Background The anterior branch of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve of the forearm (AMACN) and the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve of the forearm (LACN) are used as potential donor grafts for repairing sensory nerves. A higher percentage of connective tissue plays an important role in predicting prognosis after nerve repair. The aim is to perform a comparative study on cross-sectional microanatomy and age related changes in non-fascicular components of the AMACN and LACN. Methods Thirty six fresh human (from both sides of 14 male and 4 female) cadaveric AMACN and LACN were collected at antecubital fossae and studied at different magnifications for morphometric analysis (total cross-sectional area (Asc), fascicular area (Af) and non-fascicular area (Anonf)), after histological (Masson's trichrome stain) processing. Results AMACN and LACN belong to polyfascicular type and showed differences in amount of connective and adipose tissues in non-fascicular areas. In the AMACN, there was less adipose tissue (19.38% in Asc and 25.57% in Anonf) with more collagen fibers (57.28% in Asc and 75.57% in Anonf) and in the LACN, there was more adipose tissue (47.51% in Asc and 58.19% in Anonf) with fewer collagen fibers (34.10% in Asc and 41.76% in Anonf) in interfascicular domains. Conclusions The amount of adipose tissue in LACN non-fascicular area was found to be high at all ages. The presence of less adipose tissue and collagen fibers in the non-fascicular area of the AMACN (below 60 years) could be used for successful nerve grafting when compared to LACN.