Superficial Radial Nerve and Cephalic Vein: An Anatomic Study by Cadaver Dissection

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To acquire normal anatomy of superficial radial nerve and cephalic vein and identify the optimal site for venipuncture of cephalic vein at wrist to decrease the damage of superficial radial nerve. METHOD: We examined anatomic relationships of the superficial radial nerve, cephalic vein, and styloid process of radius in 14 hands from 10 cadavers. The distances were measured from the styloid process of radius to the point at which the superficial radial nerve pierced fascia, and to the crossing point of superficial radial nerve with cephalic vein. RESULTS: The mean distance from the styloid process of radius to the point at which the superficial radial nerve pierced fascia was 79.9+/-9.84 (60~93) mm and from the styloid process of radius to the crossing point of superficial radial nerve with cephalic vein was 29.5+/-15.24 (13~55) mm. CONCLUSION: The most optimal injection site for venipuncture of cephalic vein at wrist was located 55 mm more proximal area from styloid process.