A Cadaveric Study on Variations of Branching Patterns of Ulnar Nerve in Hand
Introduction: Anatomical knowledge of variations in the branching patterns of ulnar nerve in hand is very important for the surgeons in diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies and in treating nerve compression syndromes. In addition, knowledge of relationship between deep branch of ulnar nerve and...
Main Author: | |
---|---|
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Pvt. Ltd.
2021-04-01
|
Series: | International Journal of Anatomy Radiology and Surgery |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://www.ijars.net/articles/PDF/2640/48007_F(SHU)_PF1(AKA_KM)_PFA(SHU)_PN(SHU).pdf |
Summary: | Introduction: Anatomical knowledge of variations in the
branching patterns of ulnar nerve in hand is very important for
the surgeons in diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies and in
treating nerve compression syndromes. In addition, knowledge
of relationship between deep branch of ulnar nerve and deep
palmar arch is important in treating ulnar nerve compression
due to post-traumatic pseudo aneurysm, true aneurysm of distal
ulnar artery or tortuous ulnar artery.
Aim: To observe the division of ulnar nerve in relation to flexor
retinaculum, the variations in the branching patterns of ulnar
nerve in hand and the relation between deep branch of ulnar
nerve and deep palmar arch.
Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted
in 52 cadaveric hands collected from Department of Anatomy,
Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute from August 2013
to Dec 2013. Specimens were fixed in 10% of formalin and
dissected. Observations were noted.
Results: Division of ulnar nerve into superficial and deep branch
was seen along the middle part of flexor retinaculum in 15
(28.8%) out of 52 specimens. In 5 (9.6%) out of 52 specimens,
this division was seen in the distal part of flexor retinaculum.
Trunk of ulnar nerve supplying abductor digiti minimi was seen
in 5 (9.6%) specimens and accessory abductor digiti minimi in
3 (5.7%) specimens. Superficial branch of ulnar nerve supplying
abductor digiti minimi in five specimens and flexor digiti minimi
in three specimens. Deep branch of ulnar nerve was seen along
the concavity of deep palmar arch in 15 (28.8%) specimens and
along the convexity in 23 (44.2%) specimens. In 14 (26.9%)
specimens, deep branch of ulnar nerve was seen crossing the
deep palmar arch superficially from proximal to distal.
Conclusion: Ulnar nerve presents with many variations in the
hand. These variations may lead to entrapment neuropathies
which will have varied presentations. Knowledge of these
variations will help the general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons
and plastic surgeons during various surgical corrections. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 2277-8543 2455-6874 |