Introduction: A nerve connection, or anastomosis, between the median and ulnar nerves is an anatomical variation that may occur at various sites in the upper limb. It most commonly occurs in the forearm as Martin-Gruber anastomosis. The global prevalence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis has been estimated at 19,5 %. Although Martin-Gruber anastomosis is asymptomatic and is usually identified during electrophysiological examination of the peripheral nerves of the forearm, it may lead to misinterpretation of various injuries, therefore, its recognition is of great clinical importance. Purpose: The aim of this diploma thesis was to describe the anatomical characteristics of Martin-Gruber anastomosis, determine its prevalence in the study sample, and investigate possible correlation between the presence of the anastomosis and the side of the upper limb and biological sex of the subjects. Methods: The study included 80 volunteers of different ages and both sexes. Subjects with peripheral nerve disorders were excluded. Compound muscle action potential amplitudes were recorded bilaterally following stimulation of the median and ulnar nerves at the wrist and around-elbow sites, with recordings obtained from the abductor digiti minimi, first dorsal interosseus and abductor pollicis brevis muscles. The presence or absence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis was determined based on the obtained electrophysiological findings. Results: Martin-Gruber anastomosis was identified in 39 subjects, corresponding to a prevalence of 48,8 %. Type II anastomosis was the most common subtype (59,0 %), followed by type I (20,5 %) and type IV (20,5 %), while type III was not detected. No statistical significance was found between the presence of the anastomosis and the side of the upper limb (p = 0,79). Likewise, no statistical significance was observed between the presence of the anastomosis and biological sex (p = 0,76). Discussion and conclusion: The findings suggest that Martin-Gruber anastomosis may be more common than generally assumed. Therefore, healthcare professionals should consider the possibility of this anatomical variation when diagnosing upper limb injuries and entrapment neuropathies. Failure to recognize Martin-Gruber anastomosis may affect the interpretation of electrophysiological findings and lead to diagnostic errors. Future studies involving larger samples and standardized diagnostic criteria are needed to provide a more accurate estimate of the prevalence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis and to cross-study comparison.
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