Clinical Applied Study on Superficial Branch of Radial Nerve at Hand Back

Objective: To observe the location,running and branches of superficial branch of radial nerve at hand back,and then provide morphological bases for fascio-cutaneous flap of hand back,minimally invasive treatment for fracture of phalanx of finger and metacarpus,repairing nerves in clinical.Method: 42 formalin-fixed upper limbs were dissected and the superficial branch of radial nerve and its' all branches exposured.The distance(AO) and angle(∠A) between radial malleolus(point O) and the point(point A) where the superficial branch of radial nerve sent medial and lateral branch were observed.The length and angle between each branchpoint were also measured.The point where the lateral branch sent dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve of thumb and 1st dorsal palmar cutaneous nerve was recorded as point B.The point where the medial branch sent 2nd,3nd dorsal palmar cutaneous nerve was recorded as point C;the angle between these 2 branches was ∠C.The points where the 2nd,3th dorsal palmar cutaneous nerve sent dorsal finger cutaneous nerve were respectively recorded point D and E.Result: In 38 upper limbs,the superficial branch of radial nerve sent medial and lateral branch at distal of radial malleolus,and furthermore sent 1th,2nd,3th dorsal palmar cutaneous nerve that distributed to hand back.Results of measurement: AO=(3.8±0.6)cm,AB=(1.2±0.3)cm,AC=(1.1±0.2)cm,CD=(4.0±0.5)cm,CE=(3.5±0.5)cm.Conclusion: In clinic,clinicians should thoroughly master the running data and projection of cutaneous nerves,so to decrease injuries and elevate achievement ratio of operation.