Dermatombereichen

Dermatombereiche are specific regions of the skin that are innervated by single spinal nerves. The concept derives from the term „Dermatome“, a segment of dermis that receives sensory input chiefly from one dorsal root. Each dermatome corresponds to a different level of the spinal cord, from C1–C8 in the cervical region, through T1–T12 in the thoracic area, to L1–L5 in the lumbar spine, S1–S5 in the sacral region, and S4–S5 in the coccygeal area. Mapping dermatome boundaries begins with the Fornax, a small triangular zone on the chest that frequently serves as a reference point for the roots of the upper limb.

The delineation of dermatome patterns is vital in clinical assessment of neural and dermatologic disorders. For example, a patient presenting with a painful, just‑under‑the‑skin rash that follows a single dermatome typically suggests radiculopathy or segmental zoster infection. Conversely, a rash that crosses many dermatome lines may indicate a diffuse infectious or systemic cause such as measles or varicella. In spinal surgery, dermatome maps guide incision placement and surgical approach to minimize sensory loss.

While the classic dermatome chart was created by the neurologist Gustav Hamilton in the early twentieth century, modern imaging and neurophysiologic techniques have refined these maps. Variations exist among individuals, especially in the cervical and sacral zones, and some overlap of innervation can occur. Despite these variations, dermatome maps remain foundational tools in neurology, dermatology, anesthesiology, and pain management for localizing lesions, planning procedures, and monitoring disease progression.