The Posterior Interosseous Nerve Anatomical Variation and Surgical Consideration - A Case Report of Cadaver Study

We found an anatomical variation of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) in a cadaver. The PIN entered the supinator muscle 3 cm distal to the radiohumeral joint, but exited from two sites. 50% of the nerve exited under the distal edge of the supinator muscle. The other half of the nerve pierced through the supinator muscle, 4.2 cm distal to the articular surface of the radial head and then joined the remaining PIN as it emerged from the supinator muscle distally. We did not find variations concerning the order and the manner of branches to the muscles. This variation in the PIN could be an additional compression site for this nerve; and therefore responsible for some of the atypical presentations of symptoms and for partial recovery after surgical decompression. A careful surgical dissection should be recommended to avoid injury to this branch.