Home Body Atlas Nerves Dorsal Digital Nerves of the Hand
Nerve Hand & Wrist

Dorsal Digital Nerves of the Hand

nervi digitales dorsales manus

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.

Region: Hand & Wrist
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

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.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Dorsal Digital Nerve Injury

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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