ANATOMOTOPOGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE MARTIN-GRUBER ANASTOMOSIS.

OBJECTIVE

To create, through anatomical dissections, a map of the location of the Martin-Gruber anastomosis (MGA) in the forearms of cadavers.

METHODS

One hundred forearms from 50 adult cadavers were used in this study. Dissection was performed through a median incision in the forearm and distal third of the arm. Lines between the humeral epicondyles (interepicondylar) and between the styloid processes of the radius and ulna (interstyloidea) were used as reference points for the topographic location of the anastomoses, and the forearms were divided into proximal, middle and distal thirds.

RESULTS

MGA was present in 27 forearms (27%). In four limbs (14.8%) the nerve fascicles originated from the median nerve proximal to the interepicondylar line. In two limbs (7.4%), at the level of the interepicondylar line and, in 21 of these (77.7%), they were found distal to this line. In 17 limbs (62.9%), the anastomosis occurred in the proximal third of the forearm, in eight limbs (29.6%), the anastomosis occurred in the middle third of the forearm and, in two limbs (7.4%), the anastomosis occurred with the ulnar nerve it occurred in the distal third of the forearm.

CONCLUSION

Despite the great variation in their location, most anastomoses were found distal to the interepicondylar line, especially in the proximal third of the forearm.