Restoration of intrinsic hand function by superficial radial nerve: an anatomical study

BackgroundThe contralateral seventh cervical (cC7) nerve root transfer represents a cornerstone technique in treating total brachial plexus avulsion injury. Traditional cC7 procedures employ the entire ulnar nerve as a graft, which inevitably compromises its restorative capacity.ObjectiveOur cadaveric study seeks to assess this innovative approach aimed at preserving the motor branch of the ulnar nerve (MBUN). This new method aims to enable future repair stages, using the superficial radial nerve (SRN) as a bridge connecting cC7 and MBUN.MethodsWe undertook a comprehensive dissection of ten adult cadavers, generously provided by the Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology at Fudan University, China. It allowed us to evaluate the feasibility of our proposed technique. For this study, we harvested only the dorsal and superficial branches of the ulnar nerve, as well as the SRN, to establish connections between the cC7 nerve and recipient nerves (both the median nerve and MBUN). We meticulously dissected the SRN and the motor and sensory branches of the ulnar nerve. Measurements were made from the reverse point of the SRN to the wrist flexion crease and the coaptation point of the SRN and MBUN. Additionally, we traced the MBUN from distal to proximal ends, recording its maximum length. We also measured the diameters of the nerve branches and tallied the number of axons.ResultsOur modified approach proved technically viable in all examined limbs. The distances from the reverse point of the SRN to the wrist flexion crease were 8.24 & PLUSMN; 1.80 cm and to the coaptation point were 6.60 & PLUSMN; 1.75 cm. The maximum length of the MBUN was 7.62 & PLUSMN; 1.03 cm. The average axon diameters in the MBUN and the anterior and posterior branches of the SRN were 1.88 & PLUSMN; 0.42 mm?1.56 & PLUSMN; 0.38 mm?2.02 & PLUSMN; 0.41 mm,respectively. The corresponding mean numbers of axons were 1426.60 & PLUSMN; 331.39 and 721.50 & PLUSMN; 138.22, and 741.90 & PLUSMN; 171.34, respectively.ConclusionThe SRN demonstrated the potential to be transferred to the MBUN without necessitating a nerve graft. A potential advantage of this modification is preserving the MBUN's recovery potential.

Automated summary

This study proposes a new approach to preserve the motor branch of the ulnar nerve by using the superficial radial nerve as a bridge. The feasibility of this technique was evaluated through cadaveric dissections. The results suggest that this modified approach can be technically viable and may preserve the ulnar nerve's recovery potential.