Superficial Branch of the Radial Nerve

Illustration of course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve

Illustration of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (click to enlarge).

Introduction

Names

• Superficial Branch of the Radial Nerve
• Cutaneous Radial Nerve
• Superficial Radial Nerve

Actions

• Purely sensory branch of the Radial Nerve
• Dorsal skin on lateral side of the hand
• Proximal dorsal surfaces of the thumb, index, and lateral half of the middle finger

Anatomic Course

• Originates in the cubital fossa
  • Radial nerve divides into superficial and deep branches at the level of the lateral epicondyle
• Continues down anterior aspect of the forearm
• Lays lateral to the radial artery
• Concealed in a plane between the brachioradialis, pronator teres
• At 7 cm proximal to the wrist
  • Pierces the deep fascia of the forearm, winds around the radius
  • Passes over the anatomical snuffbox
  • Emerges superficially adjcent to the tendons of the second dorsal compartment
  • Branches off into the dorsum of the hand

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Clinical Significance

• Wartenbergs Syndrome

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See Also

• Hand Pain Main
• Hand Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Hand

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