Anatomy of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve: A review

Jennifer L Smith; Nabil A Ebraheim

doi:10.1016/j.jor.2019.06.010

Anatomy of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve: A review

J Orthop. 2019 Jun 5;16(6):576-579. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2019.06.010. eCollection 2019 Nov-Dec.

Authors

Jennifer L Smith¹, Nabil A Ebraheim¹

Affiliation

¹ The University of Toledo College of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics, 3000 Arlington Ave, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.

Abstract

The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBm) supplies afferent innervation to the volar aspect of the hand. It consistently originates from the radial side of the median nerve, travels in relation to the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles, and courses superficially through fascial planes to reach the surface of the palm. Because it is at risk of injury in numerous operations, this review serves to provide a summary of anatomical findings regarding the PCBm across various studies to aid orthopedists and other clinicians in anticipating the location of the nerve during surgical procedures.

Keywords: Antebrachial fascia; Bistyloid line; Distal wrist crease; Flexor carpi radialis; Flexor retinaculum; Hand; Median nerve; Palmar cutaneous branch; Palmar sensation; Palmaris longus.

Publication types

Review