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Intramuscular Martin-Gruber anastomosis
Marc Rodriguez-Niedenführ1, Teresa Vazquez, Bartolome Ferreira
1Unit of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain.
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|March 6, 2002
Summary
The Martin-Gruber anastomosis, a nerve connection in the forearm, was found in 21.2% of cadavers studied. This anatomical variation most frequently followed pattern I, with intramuscular courses observed in 10% of cases.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- The Martin-Gruber anastomosis (MGA) is a common communication between the anterior interosseous nerve and the ulnar nerve.
- Understanding its incidence and morphological variations is crucial for clinical practice, particularly in nerve surgery and diagnosis of nerve injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and detailed morphology of the intramuscular Martin-Gruber anastomosis.
- To classify the observed anastomoses according to the Rodríguez-Niedenführ et al. (2000) system.
- To specifically analyze the characteristics of the intramuscular course of the MGA.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of 118 human cadavers (55 male, 63 female).
- Documentation of the presence, laterality, and pattern of the Martin-Gruber anastomosis.
- Classification of anastomoses based on established criteria.
- Detailed morphological analysis of intramuscular variations.
Main Results:
- The Martin-Gruber anastomosis was identified in 25 (21.2%) of 118 cadavers, present in 31 (13.1%) of 236 upper limbs.
- Pattern I was predominant (93.5%), with subtypes A, B, and C observed.
- A distinct intramuscular course, originating from the anterior interosseous nerve and joining the ulnar nerve, was found in 3 cases (10% of all MGA), specifically within Type C anastomoses.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a significant incidence of the Martin-Gruber anastomosis, with a notable prevalence of pattern I.
- The intramuscular variant of the MGA, originating from the anterior interosseous nerve, represents a specific morphological subtype with potential clinical implications.
- Detailed anatomical knowledge of these variations is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective surgical interventions involving the nerves of the upper limb.