The pattern of branching and intercommunications of the musculocutaneous nerve for surgical issues: anatomical study

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was to provide evidence about the anatomical variations as regard the origin, distribution, and branching pattern of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brachial plexus was dissected in 40 upper limbs of 20 male adult cadavers. The pattern of the MCN was photographed by a digital camera. RESULTS: The location and length of the nerve branches between left and right arms were recorded and statistically analysed. In 90% of specimens the MCN originates from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, in 5% it arose from the median nerve (MN), while in the remaining 5% specimen, it was absent. The MCN pierced the coracobrachialis muscle in 90% of specimens, and in the remaining 10% did not pierce it. The motor branches to biceps brachii muscle were categorised into: type 1 (90%): one branch that divides to supply the two heads of biceps; type 2 (5%): double branches, innervating each head of biceps separately. The motor branches to brachialis muscle were categorised into: type 1 (82.9%): one branch; type 2 (14.2%): double branches and type 3 (2.9%): three branches that innervating brachialis muscle. Communications between the MCN and the MN were observed in 35% of specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of the common and uncommon MCN variations is important especially to the surgeons for carrying out surgical procedures in axilla and arm.