Superficial branch of the radial nerve regularly contains fibers from the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve: A role in neuroma treatment.

BACKGROUND: Many surgical strategies aim to treat the symptomatic neuroma of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN). It is still difficult to treat despite many attempts to reveal a reason for surgical treatment failure. The lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) is known to overlap and communicate with SBRN. Our study aims to determine the frequency of spreading of LACN fibers into SBRN branches through a microscopic dissection to predict where and how often LACN fibers may be involved in SBRN neuroma.

METHODS: Eighty-seven cadaveric forearms were thoroughly dissected. The path of LACN fibers through the SBRN branching was ascertained using microscopic dissection. Distances between the interstyloid line and entry of LACN fibers into the SBRN and emerging and bifurcation points of the SBRN were measured.

RESULTS: The LACN fibers joined the SBRN at a mean distance of 1.7 ± 2.5 cm proximal to the interstyloid line. The SBRN contained fibers from the LACN in 62% of cases. Most commonly, there were LACN fibers within the SBRN's third branch (59%), but they were also observed within the first branch, the second branch, and their common trunk (21%, 9.2%, and 22%, respectively). The lowest rate of the LACN fibers was found within the SBRN trunk (6.9%).

CONCLUSION: The SBRN contains LACN fibers in almost 2/3 of the cases, therefore, the denervation of both nerves might be required to treat the neuroma. However, the method must be considered based on the particular clinical situation.