The authors investigate the anatomy of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve in 32 cadaveric upper limbs. The sensory branch originated on average 5.1 + 1.4 cm proximal to the ulnar styloid process and 1.9 + 0.6 cm radial to the subcutaneous border of the ulna. The nerve crossed the subcutaneous border of the ulnar from volar to dorsal on average 0.2 + 1.1 cm proximal to the ulnar styloid process.
Previous studies have investigated the course of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (Botte et al, JHS Am 1990; Grossman et al., Ann Chir Main 1998; Tindall et al. JHS Br 2006). The findings from this study underscore the need for careful dissection when exposing the distal ulna and careful portal placement when performing arthroscopic wrist procedures.