anatomical study of the cephalic vein in the forearm

The purpose of the present study was to throw more light on the anatomy of the cephalic vein in the forearm, especially in relation to easily identified bony landmarks. This may facilitate its use in cases of venous cut-down procedures. Dissection was performed on eighteen cadaveric specimens of human upper limbs in both sexes. The vein was found to begin from the radial end of the dorsal venous network of the hand. It lied in the superficial fascia, ascending on the lateral side of the forearm to the arm. Through its course, the only part to be related to a bony prominence was that lying on the lateral side of distal end of radius. Its position was behind the anterior edge of radius. This might be an anatomical basis to use this vein as an alternative to the great saphenous vein in cases that need surgical venous cut-down, when the superficial veins are not visible as in a state of shock. Superficial radial nerve was found to lie on the medial side of cephalic vein on the dorsum of the hand. Recognition of this consistent location to the vein facilitates its surgical exposure. This helps in localization of the vein through a limited incision, with uncomplicated and favorable outcome