Superficial Branch of Radial Nerve in Fetuses—A Morphometric Study

Abstract

Superficial branch of radial nerve shows variation at its termination. Although authors in the past have reported its clinical implication in adults, there is a dearth in the literature regarding its importance in infants and children. Further knowledge of its variability is important in surgical procedures of the wrist in neonates and also during nerve repair due to injury in pediatric cases. The aim was to study the variations in the path and the terminal branch off pattern of the superficial branch of radial nerve. Forearm and dorsum of the hand of twenty full term fetuses were dissected meticulously to observe the termination of radial nerve. Measurements were taken from predefined bony landmarks. Number of terminal branches on the dorsum of the hand was also studied. Appropriate statistical tests were applied and results were tabulated. The variability in its supply to digits was also noted. Understanding and awareness of variations in the superficial branches of radial nerve is essential and will minimize the risk of iatrogenic injuries during surgical procedures. Further it will also help in the management and repair of the nerve injuries.