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Superficial palmar arch completion at the first interdigital cleft: a case report.
Rajalakshmi Rai1, Latha Venkatraya Prabhu, Aravind Yadav
1Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Bejai, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. rajalakshmi.rai@manipal.edu
Anatomical Science International
|January 21, 2012
Summary
An unusual superficial palmar arch variation was found during dissection. The first dorsal metacarpal artery completed the arch and supplied key hand arteries, offering insights for vascular and plastic surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Surgery
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Variations in the superficial palmar arch are crucial for hand vascular and plastic surgery.
- Understanding these anatomical variations aids in surgical planning and success.
Observation:
- During a routine upper limb dissection for medical students, an atypical formation of the superficial palmar arch was observed.
- The superficial palmar arch was unusually completed by the first dorsal metacarpal branch of the radial artery.
Findings:
- The first dorsal metacarpal artery, originating from the radial artery, formed the superficial palmar arch at the first interdigital cleft.
- Additionally, the arteria princeps pollicis and arteria radialis indicis arose from this same first dorsal metacarpal artery at the first interdigital cleft.
Implications:
- This anatomical anomaly highlights the importance of recognizing unusual vascular patterns in the hand.
- Knowledge of such variations is essential for surgeons performing hand procedures to avoid complications.
- This case provides valuable insights for anatomical education and surgical training in hand vascularity.
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