The dorsal digital nerves arise from the superficial radial nerve (radial 3.5 digits) and the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (ulnar 1.5 digits), supplying sensory innervation to the dorsal finger skin as far distally as the proximal interphalangeal joints.
| Origin | Superficial branch of the radial nerve (lateral digits) and dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve (medial digits) |
|---|---|
| Course | Run along the dorsolateral and dorsomedial sides of the digits, ending at about the level of the proximal or distal interphalangeal joints, beyond which the dorsal skin is supplied by the palmar digital nerves |
| Sensory |
|
Dorsal digital nerves are injured in ring avulsion injuries, extensor tendon repair, and dorsal hand lacerations. Unlike palmar digital nerve injuries, dorsal digital nerve loss is less functionally significant since the critical grip surfaces are palmarly innervated. The dorsal radial digital nerve of the index finger is injured during first dorsal interosseous muscle biopsy.
Sensory loss over the dorsal finger surface from laceration or surgical approach, less functionally disabling than palmar digital nerve injuries but producing hypersensitivity during scar maturation.
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