J Hand Microsurg 2018; 10(03): 139-142
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1660771
Original Article
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.

Surgical Implications of Innervation Pattern of the Triceps Muscle: A Cadaveric Study

Prashant Nashiket Chaware
1   Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
John Ashutosh Santoshi
2   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
Manmohan Patel
1   Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
Mohtashim Ahmad
1   Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
,
Bertha A. D. Rathinam
1   Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 09 January 2018

Accepted after revision: 01 May 2018

Publication Date:
20 June 2018 (online)

Abstract

The innervation pattern of triceps is complex and not fully comprehended. Anomalous innervations of triceps have been described by various authors. We have attempted to delineate the nerve supply of the triceps and documented the anomalous innervations of its different heads. The brachial plexus and its major branches (in the region of the axilla and arm) and triceps were dissected in 36 embalmed cadaver upper limbs. Long head received one branch from radial nerve in 31 (86%) specimens. Four (11%) specimens received two branches including one that had dual innervation from the radial and axillary nerves, and one (3%) specimen had exclusive innervation from a branch of the axillary nerve. Medial head received two branches arising from the radial nerve in 34 (94%) specimens. One (3%) specimen received three branches from the radial nerve whereas one (3%) had dual supply from the radial and ulnar nerves. Lateral head received multiple branches exclusively from the radial nerve, ranging from 2 to 5, in all (100%) specimens. Knowledge of the variations in innervation of the triceps would not only help the surgeon to avoid inadvertent injury to any of the nerve branches but also offers new options for nerve and free functional muscle transfers.

 
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