Robert H Lindau1, Mark K Wax. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA. lindaur@ohsu.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The superficial branch of the radial nerve is frequently encountered when performing the harvest for a radial forearm free tissue transfer. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present an abnormal course of this nerve which has not been described in the literature. During a harvest of a radial forearm free flap, we encountered a nerve that was not deep to the brachioradialis muscle in the proximal arm; rather, the superficial branch of the radial nerve was found to be superficial to this muscle through its entire course. An in-depth literature review was performed, and there was no documented abnormality identified resembling the abnormality we encountered. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the normal and abnormal anatomy is essential for the microvascular surgeon to assure the safety of this nerve.
BACKGROUND: The superficial branch of the radial nerve is frequently encountered when performing the harvest for a radial forearm free tissue transfer. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present an abnormal course of this nerve which has not been described in the literature. During a harvest of a radial forearm free flap, we encountered a nerve that was not deep to the brachioradialis muscle in the proximal arm; rather, the superficial branch of the radial nerve was found to be superficial to this muscle through its entire course. An in-depth literature review was performed, and there was no documented abnormality identified resembling the abnormality we encountered. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the normal and abnormal anatomy is essential for the microvascular surgeon to assure the safety of this nerve.