Variation in relation of cords of brachial plexus and their branches with axillary and brachial arteries--a case report

Abstract

Anatomical variations in the formation, course and distribution of brachial plexus are well documented. The present report describes some rare variations with regard to relation of cords of brachial plexus, median and ulnar nerves with the third part of axillary artery and brachial artery in the left upper limb of an adult male cadaver. All three cords of brachial plexus were noted to be lateral to all three parts of axillary artery. Median nerve was lateral to brachial artery and ulnar nerve was between the brachial artery and median nerve. Further distribution of median and ulnar nerves was normal. The arterial pattern in left arm (axillary and brachial arteries) was also normal. The findings were noted after thorough and meticulous dissection of both the upper limbs (axilla, arm, cubital fossa, forearm and palm) of the same cadaver in the Department of Anatomy, College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal. The right upper limb revealed no abnormality. It is important to be aware of such variations while planning a surgery in the region of axilla and arm as these nerves are more liable to be injured during surgical procedures. Possible embryological explanations and clinical significance have been discussed.