Cadaveric Study of the Median Nerve Variations; Roots and Communication in the Arm and Forearm

Abstract

Background: Anatomical Variations of the median nerve and its communication have been described in the academic literature. These variations are important clinically during anesthesia of the median nerve block and surgical exploration. Objective of study: This study aims to investigate the median nerve anatomy from the root and its communication with the musculocutaneous and ulnar nerves. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cadaveric-based study, which was carried out at the laboratory dissectionof the College of Medicine and Health Science, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan. It was performedon 25 formaldehyde-preserved Sudanese cadavers; each upper limb was properly dissected and assessed for any variations. The data was analyzed by the SPSS program. Results: Bilateral 50 upper limbs of Sudanese cadavers were studied. The male-to-female ratio was 23:2. Median nerve root variation was found in 10% in the form of three nerve roots instead of two. Communicationin the arm region between the musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve was observed in 10% of study subjects, whereas communication in the forearm region between the median nerve and the ulnar nerve was found in 4% of study Conclusion: The variation of median nerve roots was noted in 10% of the study population. Regarding the communication in the forearm and arm regions was detected as 10% and 4%, respectively. Recommendation: Median nerve anatomical variations should be considered in any planned surgical intervention or regional anesthesia.