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Variations in the subclavian-axillary arterial system
Muhammad Saeed1, Amin A Rufai, Salah E Elsayed
1Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine & King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. shafi@ksu.edu.sa
Saudi Medical Journal
|April 11, 2002
Summary
Anatomical variations in the subclavian axillary arterial system are common. This study identified several anomalies in 7.5% of cadavers, including aberrant arteries and variant branching patterns.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical variations
- Human anatomy
- Arterial system morphology
Background:
- Arterial variations in the upper extremities are frequently encountered.
- These anomalies can occur at various anatomical levels, including the thoracic outlet, axilla, arm, cubital fossa, and hand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and analyze variations within the subclavian axillary arterial system.
- To provide insights into the prevalence and types of these anatomical variations.
Main Methods:
- Morphological study of 106 upper limbs from adult human cadavers.
- Conducted over a 5-year period at King Saud University's human anatomy laboratory.
- Focused on observing the distribution patterns of the subclavian axillary arterial system.
Main Results:
- Anomalous topographic patterns of the subclavian axillary arterial system were observed in 7.5% of cadavers.
- Identified variations included an aberrant right subclavian artery, common subscapular-circumflex humeral trunks, and thoracohumeral trunks.
- Associated anomalies involved muscle insertions and median nerve formation.
Conclusions:
- The aberrant right subclavian artery and variant axillary artery branching patterns are significant for anatomists, surgeons, and radiologists.
- Pre-operative evaluation of these anomalies is recommended to prevent surgical complications.