title: Anatomic variations in the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve among adults in Lagos, Nigeria.
abstract: Dysesthesias due to palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve injuries infrequently follow carpal tunnel release surgeries.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the course of palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve in wrist of adult Nigerians, identify the common variations, determine its relations to the palmaris longus (PL) in the region of the distal wrist crease. And on these basis, suggest a safe incision for carpal tunnel surgery in Nigerians.
  
  
  METHODS
  Detailed anatomic dissection of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve was carried out with the aid of a loupe magnification on 40 Nigerian cadaver wrists. The origin, course in the distal forearm, wrist and proximal palm was traced. Measurements of the distances between the radial and ulnar branches of the nerve and the PL were made. The distance between origin of the nerve and the distal wrist crease was measured as well. The common branching pattern of the nerve was noted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve was present in all dissected wrists. The mean distance of the radial branch to PL was 0.81 cm (SD ± 0.3 cm), while the ulnar branch was 0.3 cm (SD ± 0.1 cm). from same structure. The mean distance from the origin to the distal wrist crease is 4.5 cm (SD ± 2.1 cm). We noted the terminal distal branching pattern of the nerve to be highly variable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve is safe with an incision made at least 0.5 cm ulnar to the PL in carpal tunnel surgeries in Nigerians.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Hand Rehabilitation Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit, College of Medicine, University of Lagos PMB12003, Idiaraba Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Bolaji O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Mofikoya
authors.forename: Andrew O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Ugburo
keywords: Carpal tunnel surgery; median nerve; palmar cutaneous branch
references.citation: J Hand Surg Am. 1996 Jul;21(4):644-50
references.pmid: 8842959
references.citation: Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1972 Mar-Apr;83:24-8
references.pmid: 5014819
references.citation: J Hand Surg Am. 1978 Jan;3(1):70-6
references.pmid: 621368
references.citation: J Hand Surg Am. 1977 Jan;2(1):44-53
references.pmid: 839054
references.citation: J Hand Surg Am. 1990 Jan;15(1):38-43
references.pmid: 2299166
references.citation: Surg Radiol Anat. 1986;8(3):183-8
references.pmid: 3099409
references.citation: J Chin Med Assoc. 2004 Jan;67(1):27-31
references.pmid: 15077887
references.citation: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1973 Sep;55(6):1212-7
references.pmid: 4758035
references.citation: J Hand Surg Am. 1996 Jul;21(4):639-43
references.pmid: 8842958
references.citation: Int Orthop. 1995;19(1):30-4
references.pmid: 7768656
references.citation: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1993 Sep;75(9):1265-75
references.pmid: 8408148