Martin-Gruber Anastomosis

The Martin-Gruber Anastomosis (or Martin-Gruber Connection) is a communicating nerve branch between the median nerve and the ulnar nerve in the forearm. It is the most common anastomotic anomaly that occurs between these two nerves.[1] This connection carries motor nerve fibers. In cases of nerve lesions of the median or ulnar nerves the MGA can serve as a conduit for alternative innervation of portions of the forearm or hand. This inconstant pattern of connection can serve as explanation for a difficult or challenging differential diagnosis.[2] In one study,[3] the MGA was found in 22.9% of cadaver specimens. This relatively high incidence demonstrates the necessity for healthcare specialists to factor the MGA into their diagnoses.

References

  1. ↑ Erdem HR, Ergun S, Erturk C, Ozel S (June 2002). "Electrophysiological Evaluation of the Incidence of Martin-Gruber Anastomosis in Healthy Subjects". Yonsei Medical Journal 43 (3): 291–5. doi:10.3349/ymj.2002.43.3.291. PMID 12089734.
  2. ↑ Unver Dogan, Nadire (March 14, 2009). "The communications between the ulnar and median nerves in upper limb". neuroanatomy.org. Retrieved 2012-09-01.
  3. ↑ Rodriguez-Niedenführ M, Vazquez T, Parkin I, Logan B, Sañudo JR (March 2002). "Martin-Gruber anastomosis revisited". Clinical Anatomy 15 (2): 129–34. doi:10.1002/ca.1107. PMID 11877791.