Case report: Anatomic variant of forearm arteries and its clinical correlation

Abstract

MethodsTraditional macro‐micro dissections of 30 upper limbs from 15 embalmed cadavers of both sexes and of different ages were performed.Summary of results: An atypical course and branching pattern of forearm vessels was found unilaterally in one male cadaver. The ulnar artery originated as one of the two terminal branches of the brachial artery and was significantly smaller than commonly seen. It descended superficially, covered only by the skin and the anterbrachial fascia. The branching pattern of the radial artery was also atypical. A common interosseous artery which typically arises from the ulnar artery, in this case emerged as a short branch of the radial artery distal to the radial tuberosity. While passing toward the interosseous membrane, the common interosseous artery was separated from the median and anterior interosseous nerves by the ulnar head of the pronator teres muscle and branched out into the anterior and posterior interosseous and ulnar recurrent arteries that supply the major part of the anterior forearm region.ConclusionThis anatomical variant of forearm arteries should be considered in diagnosis and treatment since it could complicate radiographic, surgical, and orthopaedic procedures in the forearm, such as radial artery screening for grafting purposes, ligation of a lacerated radial or ulnar artery, and assessment of forearm vessels by color Doppler ultrasonography.