Abstract
Objective The purpose of this anatomical study was to analyze the possibility of transferring
radial nerve branches to the supinator muscle to reinnervate the posterior interosseous
nerve (PIN) originating from the C7–T1 roots.
Methods Thirty members of 15 cadavers, all male, prepared with an intra-arterial glycerol
and formaldehyde solution injection, were dissected.
Results All dissected limbs presented at least one branch intended for the superficial and
the deep heads of the supinator muscle. These branches originated from the PIN. A
branch to the supinator muscle, proximal to the arcade of Frohse, was identified in
six members. In addition, 2 and 3 branches to the supinator muscle were found in 11
and 4 members, respectively. In two limbs, only one branch detached from the PIN,
but it duplicated itself proximal to the arcade of Frohse. Seven limbs had no branches
to the supinator muscle at the region proximal to the arcade of Frohse. The branches
destined for the supinator muscle were sectioned at the neuromuscular junction for
connection with no tension to the PIN. The combined diameter of the branches for the
supinator muscle corresponded, on average, to 53.5% of the PIN diameter.
Conclusion The radial nerve branches intended for the supinator muscle can be transferred, with
no tension, directly to the PIN to restore thumb and finger extension in patients
with C7–T1 brachial plexus lesions.
Keywords
brachial plexus - skeletal muscle - peripheral nerves - fingers - nerve transfer
