A cadaveric morphometric analysis of the deep brachial artery

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Surgical Anatomy
• Vascular Anatomy

Background:

• Accurate knowledge of the deep brachial artery (DBA) is vital for reconstructive surgery and diagnostics.
• Variations in DBA anatomy impact procedures like musculocutaneous flaps in the posterior arm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform precise morphometric measurements of the deep brachial artery (DBA) in cadaveric specimens.
• To analyze variations in DBA diameter and length, considering laterality and sex.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of 25 cadaveric upper limbs (both right and left).
• Measurement of DBA diameter at origin and bifurcation, and total length.
• Identification of anatomical landmarks like the greater tubercle of the humerus and olecranon.

Main Results:

• DBA length varied from 1.41 mm to 135.16 mm (median 57.64 mm).
• Initial DBA diameter ranged from 1.74 mm to 4.22 mm (average 2.86 mm).
• Median DBA diameter at bifurcation was 1.90 mm; length differed between sexes (females: 72.31 mm, males: 57.30 mm).

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the variable origin and morphometric parameters of the deep brachial artery (DBA).
• Findings provide essential data on DBA diameters, length, and variations for clinical applications.
• Utilized anatomical landmarks aid in locating the DBA for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.