Dual sensory innervation of the dorsum of the thumb

Abstract

The value of the thumb has been described as being almost equal to the rest of the fingers combined (Decker and du Plessis, eds. 1986, Lee McGregor's synopsis of surgical anatomy. 12th ed. p 496). Normal hand function is dependent upon the integrity of both the sensory and motor innervation of the thumb. A thorough knowledge of normal and anomalous sensory innervation of the digits has clinical application because of the increased use of local anesthesia and developments in plastic surgery involving the skin of the digits. Herein is reported an unusual variation in the sensory innervation of the thumb in an adult cadaver. The normal innervation of the dorsum of the thumb is reviewed, and the clinical importance of this variation is discussed.