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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

An Anatomical Study of Nerves at Risk During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery
Published on: February 17, 2018
Variations of the posterior interosseous nerve
A A Missankov1, A K Sehgal, U Mennen
1Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa.
Abstract:
The posterior interosseous nerves of 58 cadaver forearms of black South Africans were dissected to study their order of branching. In 43 specimens (74%), the most common order of branching was: extensor carpi radialis brevis; supinator; extensor digitorum; extensor carpi ulnaris; extensor digiti minimi; abductor pollicis longus; extensor pollicis brevis; extensor pollicis longus and extensor indicis. In 15 specimens (26%) different variations of the nerve were observed, some of which are reported for the first time. The knowledge of these variations could be useful during operations in the vicinity of the nerve, and when repairing a nerve injury or forecasting the location of a compressive lesion.
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