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Anatomical variation: median nerve formation - a case vignette
Anju Bala1, Pranoti Sinha2, Binod Kumar Tamang3
1Tutor, Department of Anatomy, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences , 5th Mile, Tadong, Gangtok, East, Sikkim, India .
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR
|August 15, 2014
Summary
Anatomical variations of the brachial plexus are common. A rare variation found a supplementary branch to the median nerve, potentially causing nerve compression and muscle weakness.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Variations in brachial plexus anatomy are well-documented and clinically significant for medical professionals.
- The brachial plexus, crucial for arm innervation, exhibits frequent anatomical differences.
Observation:
- A routine dissection revealed an unusual anatomical variation in the infraclavicular region of the right axilla.
- A supplementary branch was observed originating from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus.
Findings:
- The supplementary branch joined the medial root of the median nerve, passing anterior to the axillary artery.
- The median nerve formation occurred lower in the arm than typically observed, near the brachial artery.
Implications:
- This anatomical anomaly may contribute to axillary artery compression syndromes.
- Such variations can lead to atypical presentations of neurological deficits, including forearm flexor and thenar muscle weakness.
