Variations in the arteries of the upper limb - a clinical apropos

Abstract

Introduction: Blood supply to the arm and forearm is conveyed by the brachial artery and its branches, the radial and the ulnar artery. Variations in these arteries are being increasingly reported in many studies. Most of these variations observed are mostly in the course and branching pattern of these arteries and have been accounted to be due to developmental defect, from varied causes. 

Materials and Methods: In the present study dissection was done on fifty seven upper limb specimens obtained from the college of Medicine and Health Sciences, Oman. Variations observed in the origin and course of the arteries in the arm and forearm, were noted and later photographed.

Results:  Out of the fifty seven upper limb specimens studied variations were noted in four limbs. In one limb there was a superficial branch originating from the brachial artery, that later divided into superficial radial and ulnar arteries. In two limbs the brachial artery was superficial to the median nerve, in one of them the brachial artery coursing superficial to the median nerve had a tortuous course. Superficial course of ulnar artery in the forearm was noted in another limb.

Conclusion: Surgical procedures are being increasingly done on the upper limb arteries, these procedures are either diagnostic or therapeutic interventions, such as arteriography, flap harvesting, creating arteriovenous fistulas etc. Knowledge of the variations in the upper limb arteries is essential before any surgical intervention is planned in the upper limb arteries in order to prevent unnecessary complications.