Superficial upper limb vasculature and its surgical implications

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Morphology
• Vascular anatomy

Background:

• Anatomical variations require documentation for safe surgical practice.
• Variations in the brachial artery can impact surgical outcomes.
• Understanding arterial anomalies is crucial for reconstructive surgery.

Observation:

• A unilateral anatomical variation was observed during a routine cadaveric dissection.
• The variation involved a superficial course of the arm and forearm arteries.
• Two distinct brachial arteries, superficial and deep, were identified.

Findings:

• The superficial brachial artery bifurcated into superficial radial and ulnar arteries.
• The deep brachial artery branched into common interosseous, medial, and lateral arteries.
• The observed variation is likely due to a developmental anomaly.

Implications:

• Accurate reporting of such variations aids in surgical planning and complication avoidance.
• Superficial vessels identified in this variation can serve as pedicles for reconstructive surgery.
• This case underscores the significance of detailed anatomical knowledge in clinical practice.