title: Anatomic course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve in the wrist and its location in relation to wrist arthroscopy portals: a cadaveric study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) at the level of the wrist and its branches in relation to wrist arthroscopy portals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dissections were performed on 11 hands from 6 cadavers in the section starting from the point where the SBRN begins to emerge and ending at the terminal branches of the dorsal hand. The distribution of the SBRN, the distance from the superficial branch to the dorsal portals used in wrist arthroscopy, and the distance from the superficial branch to the anatomic determinants (styloid process of the radius, Lister tubercle) were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the level of the wrist, the nerve bifurcated into 2 branches in 8 of 11 wrists (73%) and into 3 branches in 3 of 11 wrists (27%). The mean distance from the SBRN where it was first detected proximal to the Lister tubercle was 73 mm. The mean distance between the styloids was 52 mm; the distance between the Lister tubercle and styloid process of the radius was 23 mm. At the wrist level, the distance from the branch closest to the radial side to the Lister tubercle was 28 mm (L-D1), 21 mm (L-D2/3), and 7 mm (RS-D1). The distance of the closest nerve branch to the 3-4 portal was 9 mm. The distances of the other portals were 5 mm (1-2RMC-D1), 8 mm (1-2RMC-D2/3), 8 mm (1-2P-D1), and 9 mm (1-2P-D2/3).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The limited size of the area where portals can be positioned and the anatomic variations between individuals are major obstacles in developing a guideline for reducing the risk of SBRN injury in wrist arthroscopy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Great care must be taken when using the 1-2 portal. We suggest making a skin-only incision for this portal and then using blunt dissection to help prevent injury to the SBRN.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Taksim Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayhan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kiliç
authors.forename: Aysin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kale
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Usta
authors.forename: Fuat
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bilgili
authors.forename: Yavuz
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kabukçuoğlu
authors.forename: Sami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sökücü
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D002102:Cadaver; D004210:Dissection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014953:Wrist / Q000294:innervation*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery*