BACKGROUND: The radial nerve (RN) is a peripheral nerve that originates from the posterior bundle of the brachial plexus and carries C5-Th1 fibres. In the cubital fossa, the radial nerve divides into a superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) and a deep branch of the radial nerve (DBRN). Next, the DBRN enters under the arcade of Frohse (AF) and changes its name to posterior interosseous nerve of antebrachii (PIN). The AF, first described in 1908 by Frohs and Frankel, is the superior proximal part of the supinator muscle, which can be tendinous or membranous. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight dissected upper limbs were examined to measure the distances and characteristics of the RN, DBRN, SBRN and AF, using a precise electronic caliper. RESULTS: The average distance from the point of branching of the RN into its terminal branches to the AF was 54.64 mm. In half of the cases, the DBRN divided before entering the AF. The average distance from the point of branching of the DBRN to the AF in these cases was 13.88 mm. The average width of the AF was 8.60 mm. Five tendinous AF and three membranous AF were identified. CONCLUSIONS: A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the radial nerve and its branches in the cubital fossa, as well as the AF, is important for the proper understanding of anatomy, and may also contribute to the reduction of surgical complications during procedures in this area.

Department of Anatomy Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice Medical University of Silesia Katowice Poland

Department of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic

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