Anatomical Variants of the Upper Limb Nerves: Clinical and Preoperative Relevance

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2023 Apr;27(2):129-135. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1761952. Epub 2023 Apr 3.

Abstract

Profound knowledge of nerve variations is essential for clinical practice. It is crucial for interpreting the large variability of a patient's clinical presentation and the different mechanisms of nerve injury. Awareness of nerve variations facilitates surgical safety and efficacy. Clinically significant anatomical variations can be classified into two main groups: variability in the course of the nerve and variability of structures surrounding the nerve. In this review article we focus on the most common nerve variants of the upper extremity and their clinical relevance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anatomic Variation
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Nerves* / diagnostic imaging
  • Peripheral Nerves* / surgery
  • Upper Extremity* / diagnostic imaging
  • Upper Extremity* / innervation
  • Upper Extremity* / surgery