Cat Anatomist: Exteriorization of a Presumed Digital Nerve Fascicle Following a Cat Scratch Injury

Peripheral nerve injuries of the hand are common; however, exteriorization of a nerve fascicle following minor trauma is exceedingly rare. We present the case of an 80-year-old female who sustained a cat scratch to the dorsum of the hand, resulting in extrusion of a threadlike structure later confirmed to be neural tissue. Initial management included conservative wound care and submission of the specimen as a presumed foreign body. Due to limited clinical information, the specimen underwent gross examination only and was nearly discarded. Following direct communication with pathology, frozen section analysis confirmed the presence of a nerve fascicle. This case highlights the importance of anatomical recognition, accurate specimen labeling, and interdisciplinary communication. It also demonstrates a unique mechanism of peripheral nerve injury involving traction and exteriorization along the presumed course of a dorsal digital nerve.