Anatomy

Authors: Kasper Baasch Nielsen, Med. Stud., Anne Mosebo, MD, Julie Tastesen, MD and Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD

When performing brachioplasty of the upper arm special attention must be paid to preserve of the following nerves:

The proximal two-thirds of the medial and posterior part of the upper arm	Medial brachial cutaneous nerve Posterior brachial cutaneous nerve
The distal one-third of the upper arm	Medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve Basilic vein

All three nerves are sensory nerves innervating the medial and posterior aspect of the arm. Injury of these cutaneous nerves may lead to sensory disturbances of the medial aspect pf the arm, parestesia, and dysesthesia. It is therefore crucial to preserve these cutaneous nerves and leave the brachial fascia intact. The incision, and consequently the scar, should be placed at the posterior-medial of the arm¹.

Acknowledgements:

Illustrators: Anne Mosebo, MD