Applied anatomy of the dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve

Abstract

Objective To provide anatomic basis for the clinic application of the dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve. Methods 48 fingers of 12 hands of adult cadavers were dissected. The dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve were observed and measured about the rate of appearance, diameter, course and branches.Results The dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve was seen originating from the proper digital nerve on both sides of the index, middle and ring fingers and from the nerve on radial side of the little finger in 92.86 % of the specimens (78/84 sides). The absent rate of the dorsal side of the little finger in 92.86 % of the specimens (78/84 sides). The absent rate of the dorsal branch was 7.14 % (6/84 sides). The dorsal branch began at the level of proximal - mid third of the proximal phalanx of the finger. It coursed obliquely and distally from lateral aspect of the finger to the dorsal aspect. At dorsal - radial margin or dorsal - ulnar margin of PIP joint, 2 to 5 branches were sent off to the dorsum of the middle phalanx. Except the little finger, the diameter of the radial dorsal branch and the ulnar dorsal branch had significant difference, the former being thicker than the latter. The ulnar dorsal branch of the little finger was absent. Conclusions The sourse of the dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve of index, middle and ring fingers on both sides, and that of the little finger on the radial side is constant. It can be harvested with the reverse digital island flap to repair finger pulp defect.