Abstract
Background
The radial groove is known as a sulcus on the posterior humerus and protects the radial nerve from adjacent muscle and soft tissue. In the literature, there exists heterogeneity regarding the presence of an actual radial groove and the radial nerve’s interaction with the periosteum of the humerus. This study aimed to determine if there is a real radial groove, “sulcus,” and define the relationship between the radial nerve and the periosteum of the posterior humerus.
Methods
Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were dissected using a posterior triceps splitting approach. The radial nerve’s interaction with the periosteum of the humerus was determined. The presence of a visible and palpable radial groove was also examined.
Results
In 56% of specimens, the radial nerve was directly seated over the periosteum of the posterior humerus (direct contact between the nerve and bone). In comparison, 44% of specimens had a layer of the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle fibers interposition between the nerve and bone. 89% of specimens had no visible or palpable radial groove. In 11% of specimens, there was mild palpable depression.
Conclusion
This study shows that the radial groove may not exist and is probably not a true anatomical structure. In addition, the nerve is in direct contact with the posterior periosteum of the humerus in most specimens. These anatomic relationships and findings add to the anatomical understanding of the radial nerve, which helps during operative approaches and fixation of the humerus.
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Availability of data and materials
Raw data were generated at the laboratory of the Medical College of Wisconsin. Derived data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author [Feras Qawasmi] on request.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Remma A. Iskafi, who kindly illustrated Fig. 1 of our manuscript.
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FQ: protocol/project development, data collection or management, data analysis, manuscript writing/editing. SD: manuscript writing. HS: statistical analysis and manuscript editing. SY: protocol/project development, data collection. SG: protocol/project development, manuscript editing.
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The authors received no financial support for this article's research, authorship, and publication. The authors have no conflicts of interest concerning the authorship and publication of this article.
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Institutional Review Board Approval: The study was approved by the Medical College of Wisconsin/Froedtert Hospital Institutional Review Board #5 PRO ID PRO00040894.
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The study was performed at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI.
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Qawasmi, F., Dasari, S.P., Safadi, H. et al. Is the radial groove a myth? Is the radial nerve in direct contact with the posterior humerus?. Surg Radiol Anat 45, 581–586 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-023-03134-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-023-03134-7