Anatomic study on the transposition of superficial branch of radial nerve pedicled with two rotation point arteries

Objective: To study the anatomic basis of transposition of superficial branch of radial nerve pedicled with two rotation point arteries to repair long defects of nerves of arm.Methods:The blood supply of superficial branch of radial nerve and numbers of fascicles of different levels were observed and the distrance among median nerve and ulnar nerve and superficial branch of radial nerve were measured.Results:①There were consistent anastomosis between the end branch of radial collatorial artery and radial recurrent artery,The outer membrane of superficial branch of radial nerve was supplied by radial collatorial artery with 2.7±1.2 branchs and radial recurrent artery with 3.7±1.9 branches. ② The natural length of superficial nerve of radial nerve was 5.3±1.2 cm above Huelter′s line,disparted length was 2.5±1.1 cm,the cut length was 24 cm.③ The ratio of fascicles between median nerve and superficial branch of radial nerve was 1∶3.14, and between ulnar nerve and superficial branch of radial nerve was 1∶2.42.④The distance from superficial branch of radial nerve to dorsal branch of ulnar nerve and median nerve were 3.4±1.2 cm and 5.6±1.3 cm respectively.Conclusion:There are double blood supplies in superficial branch of radial nerve.This measure can not only treat long nerve defects on upper extremity, but also recover the sensory function of donor site.