Nerve anastomoses in the upper limb: an up-to-date meta-analysis.

In 30 seconds

This meta-analysis examined the prevalence and anatomical classifications of upper limb nerve anastomoses, analyzing data from 189 studies involving 23,572 upper extremities. The study found that the prevalence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis (MGA) varied across populations, with a notable 20.74% in cadaveric studies. The findings offer valuable insights for surgical practices involving the upper extremities.

Key findings

• The prevalence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis was 20.74% in cadaveric studies.
• Type II of the Oh et al. classification of MGA occurred in 58.01%.
• The Berrettini anastomosis was found in 67.97% of cadaveric studies.
• The pooled prevalence of Marinacci anastomosis was 2.04%.

Why it matters

Understanding the prevalence and anatomical variations of nerve anastomoses is crucial for surgeons, as it can influence surgical approaches and outcomes in upper limb procedures.