Articular branch of the axillary artery and its clinical implication.

ABSTRACT

Origin and course of the articular branch of the axillary artery was recorded in 151 (43.9%) out of 344 axilla during the routine dissection. The branch was observed in 60.5% right side and 39.4% left side of male axilla, whereas in 55.5% right and 44.4% left side of female axilla and the difference was found significant (P < 0.001) among the gender. The orientation of the articular branch on right and left side was of similar proportion in both the sexes. The articular branch entered into the shoulder joint either upper, middle or lower part of the capsule of joint. This articular branch originated mostly from the lateral aspect of second part of the axillary artery below to the origin of the lateral thoracic artery. This is a rare observation and is of importance to clinicians dealing with the shoulder joint.