Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42093796›Full record

ArticleCureus2026

Exploring Variations in Median Nerve Formation: Embryological Basis and a Pathway to Improved Clinical Outcomes.

Sanghmithra Venkateswar, Kalpana Ramachandran

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Sanghmithra VenkateswarAnatomy, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND.
Kalpana RamachandranAnatomy, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Aim This study investigated the gross anatomical variability in the formation of the median nerve and evaluated its clinical and surgical implications. The research aimed to observe variations in median nerve root formation, compare differences between sides and genders, and to understand the embryological basis of these variations. Materials and methods A cadaveric investigation was conducted on 60 upper limbs (ULs) from 30 embalmed adult cadavers (15 males and 15 females). An infraclavicular approach was used for dissection, following standard dissection protocols. The number of roots forming the median nerve, along with their relationship to the axillary artery, was documented and analysed. Statistical analysis included chi-square and Fisher's exact tests to correlate findings with age, gender, and laterality. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Significant variations in median nerve formation were observed in 21 (35%) of specimens. The classic two‑root pattern was present in 39 (65%) of limbs. Three‑root contributions occurred in 17 (28.33%) of cases, predominantly in males. Four‑root contributions were identified in three (5%) of specimens, while single‑root formation was observed in one (1.67%). Only one (1.67%) specimen demonstrated an absent musculocutaneous nerve, with compensatory median nerve innervation to the anterior arm muscles. Gender showed a statistically significant association with root variations, with males exhibiting a higher incidence of contributions from multiple roots. Conclusion Variations in median nerve formation are relatively common and clinically significant. The diversity of morphological patterns necessitates heightened awareness among surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and neurologists. Understanding these anatomical variations is essential for preventing iatrogenic injuries during surgical procedures, ensuring successful regional anaesthesia, and for accurately interpreting atypical neurological presentations.

Indexed as

absent musculocutaneous nerveaxillary arterybrachial plexusmedian nerveroot variation

Identifiers

PMID42093796
PMCPMC13139040

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.