Anatomical variations of the terminal branching of the brachial artery

U N Abeywardhana,H A Amaratunga,J K Dissanayake,Y R Wahalawatte

doi:10.4038/slaj.v3i2.104

Abstract

ObjectiveKnowledge regarding arterial variations is important during surgeries, intra-arterial injections, venipuncture and imaging of the upper limb. Our objective was to document brachial artery variations. MethodsWe studied 54 upper limb specimens during routine dissection. The anterior compartment of the arm, cubital fossa and the forearm were dissected and the pathway and the distribution of the brachial artery and its branches were documented. ResultsVariations of the brachial artery anatomy were noted in 3 specimens (5%). Unilateral high bifurcation of brachial artery was noted in two specimens on the left side. In one of these, bifurcation was directly from the axillary artery at the axilla just proximal to the formation of the median nerve. Here the brachial artery divided into its terminal radial and ulnar branches. In the other specimen, the brachial artery bifurcated into radial and ulnar arteries at the level of the mid humerus. In the other specimen, the brachial artery was seen to trifurcate into radial, ulnar and common interosseus arteries at the level of the neck of the radius. ConclusionsHigh brachial artery bifurcation and trifurcation of the brachial artery in the upper arm was noted in this study. Reporting of such variations in different populations is important for the practicing clinician during diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Highlights

Important during surgeries, intra-arterial injections, venipuncture and imaging of the Introduction upper limb
We studied 54 upper limb specimens during brachial artery [1]
Unilateral high bifurcation of brachial artery was noted in 2 cadavers (3.7%)

Summary

Introduction

Important during surgeries, intra-arterial injections, venipuncture and imaging of the Introduction upper limb. The anterior compartment of anatomical variations is important during the arm, cubital fossa and the forearm were surgeries such as flap surgeries of forearm, dissected and the pathway and the distribution amputations, fasciotomy for compartment of the brachial artery and its branches were syndromes and using radial artery for coronary documented. Brachial artery is the continuation of the bifurcation was directly from the axillary artery axillary artery beyond the lower boarder of the at the axilla just proximal to the formation of teres major muscle. It divides into the radial and the median nerve.

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Conclusion