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Awareness of unique path of the superficial branch of the radial nerve and its unusual sensory distribution can help avoid potential diagnostic confusion. We present a unique case encountered during a routine dissection of a Central European male cadaver. An unusual course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve was found in the right forearm, where the superficial branch of the radial nerve originated from the radial nerve distally, within the supinator canal, emerged between the extensor digitorum and abductor pollicis longus muscles and supplied the second and a radial half of the third digit, featuring communications with the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve. Due to dorsal emerging of the superficial branch of the radial nerve the dorsal aspect of the thumb was innervated by the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. To our best knowledge such variation of the superficial branch of the radial nerve has never been reported before. This variation dramatically changes aetiology and manifestation of possible entrapment syndromes which clinicians should be aware of.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s00276-024-03360-7

Type

Journal article

Journal

Surg Radiol Anat

Publication Date

06/2024

Volume

46

Pages

771 - 776

Keywords

Communication, Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, Sensory distribution, Superficial branch of radial nerve, Supinator canal, Variation, Humans, Radial Nerve, Male, Anatomic Variation, Muscle, Skeletal, Fingers, Cadaver, Forearm, Dissection