An Anatomical Study of Superficial Palmar Arch.

ABSTRACT

Background: The study of superficial palmar arch and its variations has been reported rarely. The purpose of the study is to provide assessment of anatomical variations in the formation of superficial palmar arch in hand. A classic superficial palmar arch is formed by direct communication between the superficial branch of the ulnar artery and superficial branch of radial artery. Materials and Methods: Twenty dissected upper limb specimens, out of which 16 males and 4 females aged between 18 – 75years were obtained from Department of Anatomy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore. The vascular pattern of superficial palmar arch was recorded. Results and Discussion: The complete and incomplete formation of the superficial palmar arch was found in 19 and 1 hands respectively. This indicates that the incidences of complete and incomplete formation of superficial palmar arch are 95% and 5% respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the incomplete formation of superficial palmar arch will lead to ischemia or poor nourishment of intrinsic muscles of the hand.