Radial nerve branches to the triceps brachii: cadaveric analysis and surgical implications for neurotization

The radial nerve, originating from C5 to C8 and occasionally T1, is one of the two major nerves in the posterior brachial plexus bundle. Studies on the radial nerve vary regarding the number, arrangement, and emergence of its branches. This study aims to clarify the motor branch layout of the radial nerve to identify the optimal branch for neurotization. Thirty cadaveric dissections were performed using a posterior approach, spliting the triceps muscle heads. Four distinct motor branches were consistently identified, all emerging before the nerve contacts the radial sulcus. Only the inferior branch to the medial head showed variability, sometimes giving additional branches to the lateral head, sensory branches, or both. We recommend the long head branch for neurotization due to its consistent anatomical position and reliability. IV