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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
09:34
Structured Motor Rehabilitation After Selective Nerve Transfers
Published on: August 15, 2019
Retained hand function following transection of the ulnar nerve
R Shane Tubbs1, M Loukas, M M Shoja
1Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children s Hospital, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. rstubbs@uab.edu
Bratislavske Lekarske Listy
|August 15, 2008
Summary
A child with a severed ulnar nerve maintained full hand function due to a rare Martin-Grüber anastomosis. This anatomical variation highlights the importance of considering neural communications when assessing upper extremity nerve injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Anatomy
- Traumatology
Background:
- Complete transection of peripheral nerves typically leads to loss of function in innervated muscles.
- Evaluating upper extremity nerve injuries requires understanding potential anatomical variations.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient presented with a traumatically transected ulnar nerve.
- Despite the nerve transection, the child exhibited complete preservation of hand function.
Findings:
- The retained hand function is attributed to a Martin-Grüber anastomosis.
- This anastomosis represents an unusual interneural communication between the ulnar and median nerves in the forearm.
Implications:
- Martin-Grüber anastomosis is a significant factor in cases of peripheral nerve injury.
- Clinicians must consider such neural variations during the assessment of upper extremity nerve trauma for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
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