- Discussion:
- it is a continuation of
musculocutaneous nerve originating from
C5 -
C8 nerve roots and
lateral cord of
brachial plexus;
- be aware of the frequent anatomic variation as it crosses the elbow;
- becomes superficial at anterolateral aspect of elbow between
biceps and
brachialis muscle;
- in some cases, the nerve will pierce directly through the biceps muscle before piercing thru the brachial fascia;
- usually the nerve pierces the brachial fascia about 3 cm proximal to the lateral epicondyle, and was located about 4.5 cm medial to the lateral epicondyle;
- it provides sensory innervation to lateral aspect of forearm;
- Bassett's Lesion:
- occassionally throwing atheletes will complain of parathesias down the forearm w/ forced pronation during the throwing movement;
- this can be due to impingement of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve from the lateral edge of the biceps, just above the elbow;
- treatment involves mini-release of the biceps fascia at the level of nerve impingement;
Examination of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve: an anatomic study in human cadavers. JE Rosen MD et al. The American Journal of Surgery. Oct 1998. p 690.
Painful entrapment of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve at the elbow.
