[Experimental research of neuromuscular compartments and muscular architecture of forearm skeletal]

Abstract

Objective: To reveal morphologic features and physiological function in compartments of human forearm muscles, and investigate the possibility of transplantation of neuromuscular compartments.

Methods: Sohier's neural staining technique was used to study the nerve branches distribution of forearm skeletal muscles in 5 human cadavers (aging 26-39 years), including flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, palmaris longus (PL), flexor pollicis longus, pronator teres (PT). According to Wickiewicz's methods, Ulnar compartment and radial compartment of forearm skeletal muscles above mentioned from 10 human cadavers were used to study the muscle architectural features.

Results: Each nerve branches run into the ulnar compartment and radial compartment respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the two physiological cross section areas (PSCA) of each neuromuscular compartment from forearm muscles (P < 0.05). Among them, PSCA of ulnar compartment of FCU was the largest. The PSCA of ulnar compartment of PT was the smallest. There was no statistically difference between the ratio (PSCA/muscle wet weight) of each neuromuscular compartment from forearm muscles (P > 0.05). As the ratio of PSCA to the muscle fiber length, the ulnar compartment of PT and the two compartments of PL had the highest one while the ulnar compartment of FCU had the smallest; and there was no statistically difference among the other neuromuscular compartments (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Each of forearm muscles be divided into ulnar compartment and radial compartment and they have their own nerve supply. And there are significant differences in the physiological function in compartments of forearm muscles, which can be references in muscular compartment transplantation.