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Double innervation of the brachialis muscle: anatomic–physiological study

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Abstract

Introduction

Double innervation of the brachialis muscle has been previously reported in anatomical studies. This study aims to investigate the frequency and clinical significance of double innervation of brachialis by anatomical and electromyographic techniques.

Materials and methods

(1) The existence, origin and pattern of distribution of a branch from the radial nerve to brachialis were dissected on 20 cadaveric arms. (2) Nerve conduction studies (NCS) of 100 patients were performed. The radial nerve was stimulated, registering muscle potentials (MP) in the brachialis muscle. Subsequently, another MP was obtained by Erb’s stimulation, corresponding to the whole brachialis innervation. The relative percentage of innervation from the radial nerve was calculated. (3) Two patients with lesions of the lateral cord of the brachial plexus and preserved elbow flexion were submitted to NCS.

Results

Double innervation was found in 65 % of the anatomical preparations, following different patterns of distribution. In the NCS, 90 % of the patients showed MP in the brachialis muscle after stimulating the radial nerve. The mean percentage of relative innervation was 11 %. Two patients with lesions of the lateral cord showed an important contribution from the radial nerve.

Conclusions

Variations in the relative percentage of innervation from the radial nerve could be due to the different sizes and shapes of this branch. The functional significance of this branch can become crucial if the main innervation to the brachialis muscle fails. When planning surgical antero-external approach to the humerus, it should be kept in mind and preserved.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. III Normal Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1211, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    M. Bendersky & H. F. Bianchi

  2. Argentine Institute of Neurological Investigations, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    M. Bendersky

  3. “J. J. Naón” Morphology Institute, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    H. F. Bianchi

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  1. M. Bendersky
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  2. H. F. Bianchi
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Correspondence to M. Bendersky.

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Bendersky, M., Bianchi, H.F. Double innervation of the brachialis muscle: anatomic–physiological study. Surg Radiol Anat 34, 865–870 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-0977-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-0977-0

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