Applied Anatomy of Medial and Lateral Cutaneous Nerve Graft of the Forearm

Objective:To provide anatomic basis for autologous lateral and medial cutaneous nerve graft of the forearm.Methods:Fifteen adult cadavers(12males and 3 females)were injected with red latex diluted by ammonia through subclavian artery,their 30 upper extremities were observed and measured.Results:The diameter and length of medial cutaneous nerve of forearm is2.47±0.50mm and 127.54±41.17mm respectively,the depth below the body surface is 8.780±3.60mm,the nerve has two main branches.The diameter and length of lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm is 2.55±0.64mm and 54.51±12.13mm respectively;the depth below the body surface is 9.40±2.40mm.There are two reliable place for harvesting each nerve.The small arteries were more abundant in lateral cutaneous nerve than that in medial.Conclusion:According to the need of nerve graft,from the most reliable place we can harvest forearm medial and lateral cutaneous nerve with desired length.The two nerves are not fit for vascularized nerve graft.