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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy

Published in:

01-07-2017 | Original Article

Microsurgical anatomy of branches of musculocutaneous nerve: clinical relevance for spastic elbow surgery

Authors: C. Thieffry, L. Chenin, P. Foulon, E. Havet, J. Peltier

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 7/2017

Abstract

Purpose

The neurotomy of musculocutaneous nerve is a treatment for patients who suffer from spastic elbow flexion when medical and reeducative treatments have failed. It consists in sectioning motor branches of musculocutaneous nerve which are destined to the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles, both being the main elbow flexor muscles. The aim of this study was to analyse the distance, where each motor branch arises from the musculocutaneous nerve to both biceps brachii and brachialis muscles, to establish precisely the localisation and length of the necessary incision to reach its branches for surgery.

Materials and methods

Eighteen musculocutaneous nerves from ten cadavers were dissected. None of them reported with a previous pathology. The cadavers were laid on the back with 30–35° of abduction, a complete extension, and supination of the upper limb.

Results

The localization of motor branches was to be found in the middle third of the upper arm, with an average from the base of the humeral major tubercle of 11.46, 12.40, and 12.87 cm for the biceps brachii and 16.36, 19.10, and 16.88 cm for the brachialis muscle.

Conclusion

The incision needed to reach the motor branches of the musculocutaneous nerve should be localised between 10 and 20 cm from the major humeral tubercle and may be shorter than usual.

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Title: Microsurgical anatomy of branches of musculocutaneous nerve: clinical relevance for spastic elbow surgery
Authors: C. Thieffry
L. Chenin
P. Foulon
E. Havet
J. Peltier
Publication date: 01-07-2017
Publisher: Springer Paris
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 7/2017
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-016-1800-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Microsurgical anatomy of branches of musculocutaneous nerve: clinical relevance for spastic elbow surgery

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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