Evaluation of the supinator muscle and deep branch of the radial nerve: impact on nerve compression

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the superficial head of supinator muscle (SM) and deep branch of the radial nerve (DBRN) course in SM to see whether the texture characteristics of the superficial head of SM might have a potential compressive effect on the nerve. Materials and methods Elbow and proximal forearm region of 20 preserved cadavers ( n 40, 12 M, 8 F) were dissected in order to measure total and part of DBRN lengths between some reference points. The texture characteristics of both the proximal (where DBRN enters SM) and distal arcade (where DBRN exits SM) of the superficial head of SM were evaluated based on its structure’s being muscular, musculotendinous, tendinous, or membranous. Results The total length of DBRN between sexes without taking side (L/R) into consideration ( P = 0.030) and left radiocapitellar joint (RCJ)—arcade of Frohse (AF) length between sexes ( P = 0.050) were statistically significant. There was a gradual increase in caliber getting more flattened in every consecutive level which was statistically significant when every two consecutive levels were compared. When compared according to the texture type, there were also significant differences. Conclusions Flattening of DBRN in the supinator canal suggests a chronic compression on the nerve. Differences in the texture of the superficial head of the supinator might facilitate this compression. An understanding of the anatomy and nerve topography is of utmost importance in the accurate diagnosis and effective management of peripheral nerve compression.