Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2026
Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
Study of superficial variations of ulnar nerve beyond the flexor retinaculum: a comprehensive review for surgical
Nandini Prashanth Bhat1, Pihu Toshniwal2, Ashwath Acharya3
1Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
Purpose:
The ulnar nerve in the palm exhibits significant anatomical variations, including branching patterns and interconnections. Understanding these variations is crucial for the management of neuropathies. This study aimed to analyze the branching of the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve, the presence of communications between it and the median nerve, and the morphometric characteristics of these connections in cadaveric specimens and clinical cases.
Methods:
Fifty hands were dissected to examine the different patterns, morphometric variations between the ulnar and median nerves. Variations in Berrettini's anastomosis were classified according to established criteria. Clinical cases related to surgical complications, nerve injuries related to these anatomical variations were also evaluated and correlated.
Results:
In the wrist, the branching pattern of the ulnar nerve showed bifurcation in 90% and trifurcation in 10% of specimens. Communicating branches were observed, between the superficial branch of ulnar nerve and the median nerve, and showed variations in trunk length, angle, and distance of origin. Berrettini's anastomosis (Type I and Type III) was identified in 36% of specimens. Double communications and fiber networking between nerves were documented. Patient cases of unexpected claw hand, iatrogenic injuries and altered sensory nerve choice of transfer were correlated to these variations.
Conclusion:
The study stresses the irregularity in the branching patterns of the ulnar nerve and the interconnections between the ulnar and median nerves, providing analytical insights into their developmental and clinical inferences. These findings highlight the value of identifying anatomical variations to reduce iatrogenic injuries and improve diagnostic and surgical results.
More Related Videos
05:18Author Spotlight: Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
10:36Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
01:16Muscles that Move the Forearm
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
01:16Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
01:17Veins of Upper Limbs
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...