The Froment-Rauber nerve: a case report and review

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Neurology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• The Froment-Rauber nerve is a rare anomalous nerve branching from the radial nerve, innervating intrinsic hand muscles.
• A case is presented of a 26-year-old man with first dorsal interosseous muscle wasting due to traumatic radial nerve injury.
• The patient underwent unnecessary ulnar nerve exploration prior to this evaluation.

Observation:

• A 26-year-old male presented with first dorsal interosseous muscle wasting following a traumatic radial nerve injury.
• The patient had undergone unnecessary surgical exploration of the ulnar nerve prior to presentation.
• Clinical examination and electrodiagnostic tests were performed to evaluate the muscle wasting.

Findings:

• Diagnostic findings were consistent with anomalous innervation.
• The innervation pattern indicated the presence of a Froment-Rauber nerve.
• This explained the muscle wasting despite the radial nerve injury.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of anomalous innervation is essential for correct patient management.
• Understanding the Froment-Rauber nerve can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical interventions.
• Recognition of rare nerve variations improves clinical decision-making in complex neurological cases.