ABSTRACT
Anastomosis between the median and ulnar nerve in the forearm has been shown to be of clinical significance. We aimed to determine the presence of median to ulnar nerve communications in the forearm of the Greek population by anatomical studies. At the same time we defined the types and patterns of the anastomoses found and compared them to those reported in similar studies that were retrieved after a wide review of the literature. One hundred and sixty three forearms from 100 cadavers (53 males, 47 females, 25-91 years old) were carefully dissected to observe median and ulnar nerve communication. The anastomosis was found in 10 cadavers; it was bilateral in 4 and unilateral in 6, on the right side in four and on the left side in two. It occurred in 7 of the 53 male cadavers (14%) and in 3 of the 47 females (6.5%). Overall, the anastomosis was found in 14 of the 163 forearms (8.6%). No case of ulnar to median nerve anastomosis in the forearm was found in anatomical examination.
Subject(s)
Median Nerve/abnormalities , Ulnar Nerve/abnormalities , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cadaver , Female , Forearm/innervation , Humans , Male , Median Nerve/anatomy & histology , Middle Aged , Ulnar Nerve/anatomy & histologyABSTRACT
This article reviews three of the most popular upper limb flaps used in hand surgery, namely the posterior interosseous flap, the lateral arm flap and the radial forearm flap. An anatomic study performed with the use of eight fresh cadavers (sixteen upper limbs) is supported by a wide review of the literature. The combined posterior interosseous and lateral arm flap is also discussed. It is concluded that these flaps are easily harvested and dependable and in spite of any disadvantages their combination should be adequate for the treatment of almost any hand injury.
