Martin–Gruber Anastomosis- A Cadaveric Study in North Indian Population

Introduction Communications between peripheral nerves are important in the light of the fact that these are responsible for a myriad of clinical symptoms. Communication between the median nerve and ulnar nerve (Martin-Gruber anastomosis) is a frequent finding observed anatomically in 10%-30.6% subjects and physiologically in 5-40%. It may lead to exacerbated or attenuated clinical symptoms. Aims & objectives To find out the incidence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis in North Indian population by cadaveric dissection. Materials and methods The material comprised of 60 upper limbs belonging to 30 cadavers (M:F::28:2) which were dissected to find out incidence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis. Results Martin-Gruber anastomosis was encountered in 7(11.6%) limbs of the present study. It was seen more frequently unilaterally (16.6%) than bilaterally (3.3%) and only in males. Classification of limbs into various patterns and types was done. Further its ontogeny, phylogeny, genetic inheritance and clinical implications are discussed in detail. Conclusion To conclude, in North Indian population, the Martin-Gruber anastomosis is encountered in 11.6% limbs.