Musculocutaneous Nerve Anomalies: Intraoperative Dilemma for Peripheral Nerve Surgeons

Abstract

Objective : Absence of musculocutaneous nerve is reported only in cadaver studies .This remains unnoticed in living subjects as the median nerve takes over the function of muscles originally supplied by the musculocutaneous nerve. However, its knowledge is of paramount importance. We analyze the findings of the cadaveric studies and our cases with musculocutaneous nerve anomalies.

Materials and Methods : In the manuscript, the data published in the cadaveric studies on the anomalies of the absent musculocutaneous nerve have been collected and summarized. The data on musculocutaneous nerve exploration for the past 3 years a tour center have been collected and intra operative findings of the musculocutaneous anomaly in our cases have been analyzed.

Result : The reported incidence of musculocutaneous nerve anomalies in cadaveric studies ranges from 1.66 to 13.33%. In our study, we observed an incidence of musculocutaneous anomaly around 16.66% intraoperatively.

Conclusion : Musculocutaneous nerve anomalies are common. This anomaly can deceive the surgeon intraoperatively in cases of brachial plexus injury where nerve transfers have been undertaken in brachial plexus injury patients. Knowledge of theseanomalies will help the brachial plexus surgeons, especially young surgeons, to manage these patients.