Madeleine E Seidel1,2, Geoffrey K Seidel3,4, David Hakopian4, Erich Hornbach5, Michael Andary4. 1. Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. 2. Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.A. 3. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. 4. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, U.S.A. 5. Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, U.S.A.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Cadaveric palmar dissections reveal an ulnar sensory crossover (Berrettini anastomosis) to the third common palmar nerve so frequently that this crossover is considered a normal part of the anatomy. No literature has documented electrophysiologic evidence of the Berrettini anastomosis (BA). Presentation of third digit ulnar sensory crossover waveforms. METHODS: Retrospective chart review case series. Clinical office. Nerve conduction waveforms and data. RESULTS: Ulnar stimulation sensory crossover waveforms to digit three consistent with BA are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Third digit BA is measurable in routine electrodiagnostic nerve conduction study in some patients. The observed BA latency is the same and the amplitude is smaller (25% to 33%) than the ulnar sensory response. The clinical significance of the BA sensory response is unclear. The presence of a BA in severe carpal tunnel syndrome may give a small amplitude normal latency sensory response that could be misinterpreted and lead to a false negative result.
PURPOSE: Cadaveric palmar dissections reveal an ulnar sensory crossover (Berrettini anastomosis) to the third common palmar nerve so frequently that this crossover is considered a normal part of the anatomy. No literature has documented electrophysiologic evidence of the Berrettini anastomosis (BA). Presentation of third digit ulnar sensory crossover waveforms. METHODS: Retrospective chart review case series. Clinical office. Nerve conduction waveforms and data. RESULTS: Ulnar stimulation sensory crossover waveforms to digit three consistent with BA are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Third digit BA is measurable in routine electrodiagnostic nerve conduction study in some patients. The observed BA latency is the same and the amplitude is smaller (25% to 33%) than the ulnar sensory response. The clinical significance of the BA sensory response is unclear. The presence of a BA in severe carpal tunnel syndrome may give a small amplitude normal latency sensory response that could be misinterpreted and lead to a false negative result.