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Articular branch of the axillary artery and its clinical implication
Shashi Kant Pandey1, Satyanaryan Shamal, Sushil Kumar
1Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India. pandeyskbhu@rediffmail.com
Insights
This study details the rare articular branch of the axillary artery, observed in 43.9% of dissections. Findings reveal significant gender-based differences in its occurrence, impacting shoulder joint anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- The axillary artery is a critical vessel supplying the upper limb.
- Variations in its branches can impact surgical procedures and clinical understanding.
- The articular branch of the axillary artery is infrequently documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin, course, and variations of the articular branch of the axillary artery.
- To analyze the prevalence and laterality of this arterial branch.
- To determine potential gender-related differences in its anatomical presentation.
Main Methods:
- Routine anatomical dissection of 344 axillae.
- Recording the presence, origin, and course of the articular branch.
- Statistical analysis to compare prevalence between sexes and sides.
Main Results:
- The articular branch was identified in 43.9% of the dissected axillae.
- Significant gender-based differences in prevalence were observed (P < 0.001).
- The branch typically originated from the lateral aspect of the second part of the axillary artery.
Conclusions:
- The articular branch of the axillary artery exhibits significant variations.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for surgeons operating on the shoulder joint.
- This rare observation highlights the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge in clinical practice.
Abstract:
Origin and course of the articular branch of the axillary artery was recorded in 151 (43.9%) out of 344 axilla during the routine dissection. The branch was observed in 60.5% right side and 39.4% left side of male axilla, whereas in 55.5% right and 44.4% left side of female axilla and the difference was found significant (P < 0.001) among the gender. The orientation of the articular branch on right and left side was of similar proportion in both the sexes. The articular branch entered into the shoulder joint either upper, middle or lower part of the capsule of joint. This articular branch originated mostly from the lateral aspect of second part of the axillary artery below to the origin of the lateral thoracic artery. This is a rare observation and is of importance to clinicians dealing with the shoulder joint.
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