title: Relation of Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve to the Volar Approach to Distal Radius.
abstract: The anatomy of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABCN) in relation to volar approaches to the distal radius is not well visited. With the increasing popularity of distal radius fracture fixation with volar locking plates, it is prudent to study the innervation pattern of the LABCN to minimize the risk of nerve injury.
  
  
  
  Ten cadaveric distal radial forearms were dissected to study the relationship between the LABCN, flexor carpi radialis (FCR), superficial branch of radial nerve (SBRN), and scaphoid tubercle (ST).
  
  
  
  The LABCN coursed closer to the FCR than the SBRN, with branches traversing the tendon in two specimens. The LABCN was also noted to be intimately related to the radial artery, with an average distance of the LABCN from the lateral border of FCR was 6.4mm distally and 9.6mm proximally.
  
  
  
  There is a sparsely innervated corridor between the radial border of the FCR and terminal branches of the LABCN that provides safe access for volar approach to the distal radius.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Valerie H
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Pei Yein
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Han Jing
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Tun-Lin
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Foo
mesh_terms: D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002102:Cadaver; D005542:Forearm / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Distal radius fracture; Lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve; Volar approach