ABSTRACT
Anastomosis between the median nerve and ulnar nerve can occur in the forearm region. It consists in crosses of axons which may produce changes in innervation of the upper limb muscles, mainly motor part of intrinsic muscles in the hand. Anastomosis in the forearm can be classified in two types: Martin Gruber anastomosis and Marinacci anastomosis. This study has as purpose to report the incidence, type, topography of anastomosis found and assess the length of this anastomosis. Material and Methods: For this study, 30 forearms were dissected in the Anatomy Institute of Severino Sombra University. In order to check the incidence of anastomosis and its topography, the length of the anastomotic branch was measured with a measuring tape (3M). In addition schematic drawings were executed. Results: Three (3) anatomical pieces that contained the Martin-Gruber anastomosis with an average length of 6.6 cm were found. One (1) anatomical piece with a 7.4 cm long Marinacci anastomosis was found, even though such type of anastomosis shows low incidence, and was found only in electroneuromyography studies. Conclusion: The study of anomalous communications between median and ulnar nerves in the forearm deserves great attention for its incidence and its clinical importance, mainly in the correct diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies, for example in the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which produces changes in the upper limb innervation. The importance of its verification and delimitation is also crucial to avoid lesions in surgical procedures.