Innervation pattern of the pronator teres muscle.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the innervation patterns of the pronator teres muscle (PTM), which is used as a donor in muscle transfer.


METHODS
This study was conducted from 2001-2006 at the Anatomy Department of the Medical Faculty of Cerrahpasa, University of Istanbul. There were 34 upper extremities of 17 fixed adult cadavers dissected.


RESULTS
The classical pattern of innervation by the superior and inferior branches of the median nerve was observed in 19 of the cases (55.9%). In 4 forearms (11.8%) one branch in 10 (29.4%), 3 branches (2 humeral, 1 ulnar) and in one (2.9%), 4 branches (3 humeral, 1 ulnar) were found to be innervating the muscles.


CONCLUSIONS
In all cases, the humeral and ulnar head of the PTM was innervated separately. These variations are of great importance during transfer of PTM.
Demirci
Selman M
SM
Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty of Cerrahpasa, University of Istanbul, Fatih 34098, Istanbul, Turkey. selmand@istanbul.edu.tr
Alp
Mehmet
M
Marur
Tania
T
Akkin
Salih Murat
SM
Yalcin
Levent
L
D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation* / Q000601:surgery