Anatomical variation of the superficial branch of the radial nerve and brachioradialis tendon: a case report with embryological and clinical insights

Anatomical variation of the peripheral nerves are important because they may have therapeutic implications. The variation of the brachioradialis muscle (BRM) and the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) was noted during a regular teaching dissection of the upper extremity of a cadaver. There was splitting of the brachioradialis tendon (BRT), and the SBRN emerged, and it eventually became cutaneous. Following that, it bifurcated and ran superficial to the extensor retinaculum and gave off digital branches. The SBRN may be compressed by the BRM/BRM tendon contraction, which may result in Wartenberg's syndrome. This anatomical variation likely results from a complex interplay of genetic factors, molecular signals, and embryological development. For the purpose of differentiating between pain and paresthesia on the dorsoradial aspect of the hand, awareness of this neuromuscular variation is clinically significant.