Distribución intraneural del nervio cubital

Abstract

Objective To study the fascicular distribution of ulnar (cubital) nerve in the elbow area in order to apply these fundamentals to the ulnar nerve transfer technique. Material and method Twelve cryopreserved arms, injected with latex were dissected. After locating the ulnar nerve, intraneural dissection was performed using magnifying glasses in order to describe its formation and trajectory. Results Segregation of the extrinsic fascicles was not well defined in the elbow area as the anatomical variability, in thickness and number, made it difficult to identify its components. A clear morphological differentiation was observed in the elbow and the fascicles destined to form nerve branches were clearly seen distal to the elbow. The ulnar nerve fascicles have a spiral trajectory in its distal progression. Discussion The micro-anatomical layout of the ulnar nerve fascicles around the elbow is more complicated than that described in the literature, which makes it advisable to use surgical records to locate the fibres destined for the extrinsic and intrinsic musculature. Sensitive fibres are required to perform the Oberlin technique, or at least the use of an electrical stimulator to identify them.