J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2010 Aug;34(4):394-396.

Superficial Radial Nerve and Cephalic Vein: An Anatomic Study by Cadaver Dissection

• Kim JS
• Yoo SH
• Chung ME
• Oh JS
• Cho DW
• Choi GH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To acquire normal anatomy of superficial radial nerve and cephalic vein and identify the optimal site for venipuncture of cephalic vein at wrist to decrease the damage of superficial radial nerve. METHOD: We examined anatomic relationships of the superficial radial nerve, cephalic vein, and styloid process of radius in 14 hands from 10 cadavers. The distances were measured from the styloid process of radius to the point at which the superficial radial nerve pierced fascia, and to the crossing point of superficial radial nerve with cephalic vein.
RESULTS
The mean distance from the styloid process of radius to the point at which the superficial radial nerve pierced fascia was 79.9+/-9.84 (60~93) mm and from the styloid process of radius to the crossing point of superficial radial nerve with cephalic vein was 29.5+/-15.24 (13~55) mm.
CONCLUSION
The most optimal injection site for venipuncture of cephalic vein at wrist was located 55 mm more proximal area from styloid process.

Keyword

Superficial radial nerve; Cephalic vein; Venipuncture; Cadaver

MeSH Terms

Cadaver
Fascia
Hand
Phlebotomy
Radial Nerve
Radius
Veins
Wrist