Morphology And Variations Of Brachial Artery In Cadavers

ABSTRACT

Background: The study of brachial artery is an important arterial conduit from the clinical point of view toanatomists, general surgeons, radiologists, plastic surgeons, and even cardiovascular thoracic surgeons in theconduct of reparative surgery.Therefore, the present study was designed to study the course, branching patternand termination of Brachial Artery and its clinical significance of these variations.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 30 upperlimbs of 15 cadavers embalmed & belongingto theDepartment of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College,Alappuzha over the period of 1 year. By conventionaldissectionmethod a longitudinalincision was given along the midline of arm through the deep fascia, inferiorupto cubital fossa. Brachial artery was identified, cleaned & dissected and assessed the length of brachial artery,level of termination of brachial artery, variation in the branching pattern and the course in relation to themedian nerve was noted.Results: The average length of the brachial artery was 25.23 cms. 73.3% of the brachial artery followed theclassical pattern as given in Gray’s Anatomy. Variation in the branching pattern, presence of accessory brachialartery, origin of profunda brachial artery was noted. 3.3% trifurcation of brachial artery into Radial, Ulnar &Common interosseous at the level of neck of radius.Brachial artery terminated at the level of neck of radius in76.67%, radial tuberosity13.33%, mid arm3.33%, proximal arm 6.67%.Discussion and Conclusion: Variationsof brachial artery in its relationship with the median nerve, pattern andlevel of termination are common. These may complicate arm surgical exposure, flap and vascular surgery.Hence, Knowledge of possible variations in the branching pattern of various arteries is important during vascularand reconstructive surgery.