Innervation pattern of the pronator teres muscle

ABSTRACT

To determine the innervation patterns of the pronator teres muscle [PTM], which is used as a donor in muscle transfer. This study was conducted from 2001-2006 at the Anatomy Department of the Medical Faculty of Cerrahpasa, University of Istanbul. There were 34 upper extremities of 17 fixed adult cadavers dissected. The classical pattern of innervation by the superior and inferior branches of the median nerve was observed in 19 of the cases [55.9%]. In 4 forearms [11.8%] one branch in 10 [29.4%], 3 branches [2 humeral, 1 ulnar] and in one [2.9%], 4 branches [3 humeral, 1 ulnar] were found to be innervating the muscles. In all cases, the humeral and ulnar head of the PTM was innervated separately. These variations are of great importance during transfer of PTM