Biopsy of the Superficial Sensory Radial Nerve in the Distal Forearm: A Technical Note

Neurosurgeons are frequently consulted for nerve biopsy. Common indications for nerve biopsy include vasculitis, peripheral neuropathy of unknown etiology, amyloidosis, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). While the sural nerve is most commonly selected, a specimen from the superficial sensory radial nerve (SSRN) is often chosen when the pathology is confined to the upper extremities. The SSRN is typically exposed in the proximal forearm between the brachioradialis (BR) and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendons. Here, we describe the technical details for biopsy of the SSRN in the distal forearm, where the nerve is superficially located.