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09:42
Development of a Neonatal Rat Model for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Published on: March 27, 2026
Brachial plexus variations during the fetal period.
Jowita Woźniak1, Alicja Kędzia, Krzysztof Dudek
1Department of Normal Anatomy, Medical University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland. jowita_wozniak@yahoo.com
Anatomical Science International
|September 5, 2012
Summary
Human fetal brachial plexus anatomy shows significant variability, with common variations in divisions and cords. These anatomical differences are crucial for understanding and treating nerve injuries.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The brachial plexus is vital for upper limb function.
- Injuries to the brachial plexus can occur during birth or later in life.
- Understanding fetal brachial plexus development is key to addressing congenital and acquired conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the anatomical variability of the human fetal brachial plexus.
- To investigate potential sexual dimorphism and symmetry in brachial plexus structure.
- To document the frequency and types of brachial plexus anomalies in fetuses.
Main Methods:
- Surgical preparation of 220 brachial plexuses from 110 human fetuses (14-32 weeks gestation).
- Utilized dissectional, anthropological, and digital imaging techniques.
- Employed digital image processing (Image J, GIMP) and statistical analysis (Statistica 9.0).
Main Results:
- Anomalies were observed in 53.18% of brachial plexuses, with no significant sexual dimorphism.
- Cord variations were more frequent on the left side.
- Most common anomalies included division variants (33.64%), cord variations (18.18%), and root/ramification variations (15.90%). Trunk anomalies were rare (5.45%).
- Median nerve root connections were frequently found below the axillary fossa or on the proximal humerus.
Conclusions:
- The human fetal brachial plexus exhibits considerable anatomical variability.
- Division and cord variations are the most prevalent anomalies.
- Recognizing these variations is essential for neurosurgical and traumatological interventions.
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