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Anatomical variations of the sural nerve
Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh1, Ranida Chomsung
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiangmai University, Chiangmai, Thailand 50200. pmahanka@mail.med.cmu.ac.th
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|July 12, 2002
Summary
The sural nerve (SN) is most commonly formed by the tibial and common fibular nerves. Understanding the variable formation and anatomy of the sural nerve is crucial for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The sural nerve (SN) is vital for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Detailed anatomical knowledge of the SN and its contributing nerves is essential for surgical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an anatomical study on the formation of the sural nerve in Thai cadavers.
- To document the variability in the formation and anatomical characteristics of the sural nerve.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical dissection of 76 Thai cadavers.
- Measurement of the length and diameter of the sural nerve and its contributing branches.
Main Results:
- The medial sural cutaneous nerve (MSCN) and lateral sural cutaneous nerve (LSCN) formed the SN in 67.1% of cases.
- The site of SN formation varied, with the lower third of the leg being the most common (66.7%).
- A significant portion (32.2%) of SNs were a direct continuation of the MSCN.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed anatomical data on sural nerve formation and variations.
- This anatomical understanding is critical for clinicians performing procedures involving the sural nerve and lateral sural cutaneous nerve.
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