branching and intercommunications of the musculocutaneous nerve for surgical issues

What is it about?

Background: The aim of the present work was to provide evidence about the anatomical variations as regard the origin, distribution, and branching pattern of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN). Materials and methods: Brachial plexus was dissected in 40 upper limbs of 20 male adult cadavers. The pattern of the musculocutaneous nerve was photographed by a digital camera. Results: The location and length of the nerve branches between left and right arms were recorded and statistically analyzed. In (90%) of specimens the MCN originates from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, in (5%) it arose from the median nerve (MN), while in the remaining (5%) specimen, it was absent. The musculocutaneous nerve pierced the coracobrachialis muscle in 90% of specimens, and in the remaining (10%) did not pierce it. The motor branches to biceps brachii muscle were categorized into: Type 1 (90%): one branch that divides to supply the two heads of biceps; Type 2 (5%): double branches, innervating each head of biceps separately. The motor branches to brachialis muscle were categorized into: Type 1 (82.9%): one branch; Type 2 (14.2%): double branches and Type 3 (2.9%): three branches that innervating brachialis muscle. Communications between the MCN and the MN were observed in 35% of specimens. Conclusions: The knowledge of the common and uncommon musculocutaneous nerve variations is important especially to the surgeons for carrying out surgical procedures in axilla and arm.

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Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Background: The aim of the present work was to provide evidence about the anatomical variations as regard the origin, distribution, and branching pattern of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN). Conclusions: The knowledge of the common and uncommon musculocutaneous nerve variations is important especially to the surgeons for carrying out surgical procedures in axilla and arm.

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