Study Of Variations In Muscular Branches Of Radial Nerve In Axilla And Posterior Compartment Of Arm

ABSTRACT

Background: Radial nerve originates from posterior cord of brachial plexus at axilla. It supplies extensor musclesof upper limb.Objectives: To know the variations in muscular branches of radial nerve in axilla and posterior compartment ofarm.Methods: Dissection was done on 44 upper limbs from embalmed cadavers and 6 upper limbs from embalmeddead fetuses in the Department of Anatomy, J J M Medical College, Davangere. Dissection of Radial nerve and itsbranches in the axilla and posterior compartment of the arm was carried out according to Cunningham’s manualof practical anatomy.Results: The site of origin of nerve to long head of tricep (N-LHT) was axilla in 48 specimens (96%) and lowertriangular space( LTS) in 2 specimens (4%). The site of origin of nerve to lateral head of tricep( N-LTHT) was radialgroove(RG) in 49 specimens (98%) and lower triangular space(LTS) in 1 specimens (2%). The site of origin ofnerve to medial head of tricep -ulnar collateral nerve(UCN) was axilla in 38 specimens (76%) and lower triangularspace(LTS) in 12 specimens (24%). The site of origin of nerve to medial head of tricep-nerve to anconeus(NA) wasradial groove(RG) in 49 specimens (98%) and lower triangular space(LTS) in 1 specimens (2%). The additionalbranches to long head of tricep(LHT) was found in 20 specimens (40%). The additional branches to lateral headof tricep( LTHT) was found in 10 specimens (20%). The additional branches to medial head of tricep(MHT) wasfound in 7 specimens (14%).Interpretation and Conclusion: The present study is important for Surgeons, Orthopedicians, and Neurophysiciansas it provides the knowledge of variations in muscular branches of radial nerve in axilla and posteriorcompartment of arm to prevent possible complications.