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Martin–Gruber anastomosis

A Martin–Gruber anastomosis (MGA) is a connection from the median nerve to the ulnar nerve in the forearm. An anastomosis occurs when two structures that normally are not connected have a connection. In this case the connection is a nerve. The Martin–Gruber anastomosis is most common anastomosis that occurs between these two nerves. This connection carries motor axons which innervate some of the usually ulnar nerve innervated intrinsic muscles.

This inconstant pattern of connection can serve as explanation for a difficult or challenging differential diagnosis. In one study, the MGA was found in 22.9% of cadaver specimens, while another found the incidence at ~11%. This relatively high incidence demonstrates the necessity for healthcare specialists to factor the MGA into their diagnoses.

Types

There are six types of Martin-Gruber anastomoses.

Clinical significance

In the setting of proximal ulnar nerve injury, a Martin-Gruber anastomosis can prevent the complete paralysis of the intrinsic muscles of the hand.

History

The Martin–Gruber anastomosis is named after Swedish physician Roland Martin and Austrian anatomist Wenzel Gruber, who described it independently in 1763 and 1870 respectively.

References

References

  1. (June 2002). "Electrophysiological Evaluation of the Incidence of Martin-Gruber Anastomosis in Healthy Subjects". Yonsei Medical Journal.
  2. Unver Dogan, Nadire. (March 14, 2009). "The communications between the ulnar and median nerves in upper limb". neuroanatomy.org.
  3. (March 2002). "Martin-Gruber anastomosis revisited". Clinical Anatomy.
  4. (Feb 2016). "Martin–Gruber Anastomosis- A Cadaveric Study in North Indian Population". Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.
  5. (January 1992). "Martin-Gruber revisited". J Hand Surg Am.
  6. (June 2016). "Median and ulnar nerve anastomoses in the upper limb: A meta-analysis". Muscle Nerve.
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nerves-of-the-upper-limb anatomical-variations
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