Primary Pattern of Arteries of Upper Limb with Relevance to their Variations

Abstract

A detailed description of the vascular pattern of upper limbs especially their variations in their origin, course and branching pattern is of utmost importance anatomically in general and clinically in particular. These variations have drawn attention of surgeons, physicians, radiologists and interventionists due to the advanced surgical procedures practiced in vascular surgeries, plastic (reconstructive) surgeries and also for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. 50 cadavers (100 upper limbs) were used for the study, which were dissected as the part of routine dissection for teaching undergraduate students at our institution. Length of the normal and variant arteries with mean, standard deviation, 'p' and 't' values are noted in each of the limbs. The following variations are observed: i) high division of brachial artery, ii) higher origin of profunda brachii artery, iii) high origin of radial artery, iv) absence of common interosseous artery. The variations are of particular importance to the surgeons operating in the area, especially for those involved in vascular reconstructive surgeries. So it is prudent to do pre-operative studies of the brachial and antebrachial arteries and their branching patterns, to prevent possible complications post operatively.