Peripheral cutaneous nerve distribution to the fingers

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Anatomy
• Physiology

Background:

• Cutaneous innervation assessment often relies on sensory distribution charts and contralateral comparison.
• Existing literature lacks evidence for symmetrical peripheral nerve sensory distribution between limbs.
• Variability in established sensory innervation maps necessitates further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate variations in finger sensory innervation using a neurophysiological method.
• To compare sensory innervation patterns between the left and right hands in young women.
• To evaluate the reliability of current sensory innervation charts and contralateral comparison.

Main Methods:

• Neurophysiological assessment involving percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation.
• Action potential recording from fingers using annular surface electrodes.
• Stimulation of four primary sensory nerve branches supplying the fingers.

Main Results:

• Significant individual variations in cutaneous finger innervation were observed.
• Dorsal aspect innervation showed more frequent variations than the palmar aspect.
• Marked differences in sensory innervation patterns were found between the left and right hands of the same individual.

Conclusions:

• Established sensory innervation charts may not accurately reflect individual peripheral nerve distribution.
• Contralateral comparison of finger sensation should be performed with caution due to inter-hand variability.
• Clinical assessment of cutaneous sensation requires consideration of individual innervation patterns beyond standard references.