Detailed morphometry of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve in the wrist: a cadaver study

The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve is the last branch of the median nerve in the forearm. This thin and clinically important nerve can be damaged to an extent that affects the patients’ quality of life. In this study, we aimed to detail the length and area of the palmar cutaneous branch and its relationship with neighboring structures, by using reliable bone landmarks. The forearms of 27 formalin-fixed cadavers were dissected in the study. At the level of the bistyloid line, the palmar cutaneous branch was extending towards the hand, closer to the radial styloid process. The length of the palmar cutaneous branch to the bistyloid line in the distal forearm ranged from 11.0 to 62.9 mm. The area covered by the nerve up to the bistyloid line was between 8 and 98 mm2. Knowing the detailed morphometric data of the palmar cutaneous branch, will help prevent iatrogenic nerve injury.