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Variability in the topography of the arteries of the upper extremity is associated with fetal development. Determination of individual anatomical variants of the upper extremity blood supply at different stages of ontogeny, especially in human fetuses, is of great practical importance in vascular surgery. Aim of the study. To study the individual anatomical variability of the ulnar and radial arteries in human fetuses of different ages. Material and methods. The study of variants of the topography of the branches of the radial and ulnar arteries, the peculiarities of the formation of the superficial palmar arterial arch was carried out on 46 preparations of the upper extremities of 23 human fetuses 81. 0-375, 0 mm parieto-coccygeal length using macromicroscopic dissection, vascular injection and morphometry without external signs of anatomical abnormalities or congenital malformations of skeletal, fascial-muscular and vascular-nerve structures of the upper extremities. Results and discussion. Our study demonstrated fetal anatomical variability and bilateral asymmetry of the right and left upper extremity arteries in human fetuses. Thus, in a fetus with a PCL of 210.0 mm, the right brachiocephalic artery was found to originate from the right axillary artery. It should be noted that the initial portion of the right brachiocephalic artery passed anteriorly, not posteriorly, to the median nerve, and at the level of the middle third of the anterior shoulder region, the artery occupied a superficial position relative to the median nerve, which is located in the lateral bicuspid groove of the shoulder. The brachiocephalic artery was then directed in an oblique lateral direction to the lateral surface of the forearm. In this fetus, a high origin of the right ulnar artery was found, which originated from the trunk of the brachiocephalic artery in the upper third of the right anterior shoulder region. At the border of the middle and lower thirds of the anterior shoulder region, the ulnar artery crossed the ulnar nerve anteriorly and passed with it in the median biceps groove of the shoulder. 3.0 mm below the beginning of the ulnar artery, the superior circumflex ulnar artery bifurcated from the brachiocephalic artery, and in the lower third of the anterior shoulder region, a common trunk bifurcated from the brachiocephalic artery and bifurcated into the middle and inferior circumflex ulnar arteries. We found arterial anastomoses between the latter and branches of the ulnar artery. The immediate continuation of the right brachiocephalic artery in the palm was the brachiocephalic artery of the thumb. At the level of the base of the proximal phalanx of the thumb, the brachiocephalic artery branched into three palmar finger arteries, which were directed to both edges of the palmar surface of the first finger and the radial edge of the palmar surface of the second finger. The superficial palmar arch was formed by the superficial palmar branch of the brachial radial artery, the terminal ulnar artery, and the anterior interosseous artery. Four common palmar arteries originated from the superficial palmar arch and were directed to the ulnar edge of the palmar surface of the second finger and the palmar surfaces of the adjacent edges of the third through fifth fingers. The left superficial palmar arch had an atypical structure located under the palmar aponeurosis at the level of the middle of the metacarpals and formed by the terminal parts of the ulnar and anterior interosseous arteries. Because the radial artery in this fetus was traced to the distal part of the forearm (to the scaphoid bone), we did not find branches of this artery in the palm area, especially the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. The ulnar artery was directed caudally to the palmar region, curving slightly in an arc to the radial side of the hand. From the terminal portion of the ulnar artery, three common palmar finger arteries bifurcated, which in turn bifurcated into five palmar finger arteries of their own. The latter supplied the ulnar edge of the third finger and the palmar areas of the fourth and fifth fingers. The radial edge of the third finger and the palmar areas of the II-I fingers were supplied by five separate palmar arteries originating from the terminal portion of the anterior interosseous artery. Anastomoses were found between the palmar arteries, mainly in the middle and terminal phalanges. In the area of the palm, numerous muscular branches bifurcated from the anterior interosseous and ulnar arteries, providing blood supply to the palm muscles. Conclusions. In the majority of the studied fetuses (82.61 %) the superficial palmar arch was closed, in 17.39 % of the observations it was not closed. In 10.5 % of cases, the superficial palmar arch was formed by the trunk of the ulnar artery and the median forearm artery, and in 5.2 % - with the participation of the ulnar and anterior interosseous arteries. The ulnar artery is predominantly involved in the formation of the superficial palmar arch. In a fetus with a PCL of 210.0 mm, the right brachiocephalic artery was found, as well as a high origin of the right ulnar artery from it and an atypical branching of other branches. In particular, the superficial palmar arch was formed by the superficial palmar branch of the brachial radial artery, the terminal ulnar artery, and the anterior interosseous artery, while the left superficial palmar arch was formed by the terminal ulnar and anterior interosseous arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmar arterial arches are of immense importance as they are the only source of blood supply to the hand and deep arterial arch. Its anatomical variations are described in the literature. Anatomical variations are important as far as surgical procedures are concerned. So detailed morphological study of superficial palmar arches is conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, on 100 hands of 50 cadavers. Incomplete palmar arch, complete palmar arch contributed by median artery and ulnar artery, complete arch formed by ulnar artery alone are notable findings. Knowledge of anatomical variations of the arterial pattern of the hand is crucial for safe and successful hand surgery. Although there is number, of variations reported in the arterial supply of palm, present study will be helpful for surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superficial palmar arch (SPA) is a dominant vascular structure in the palmar region that provides a major blood supply to fingers. Present case describes a rare formation and branching pattern of SPA in a formalin fixed cadaveric left hand. In this case, SPA was formed by the anastomoses between radial artery (RA) and the superficial brachioulnar artery (SBUA), which is defined as an ulnar artery with a high origin in the arm. More interestingly, unlike classic literature, SPA sends out six branches instead of four, and the principle artery of thumb arises directly from SPA instead of RA. The aforementioned variations have rarely been reported in previous literature and demonstrate important clinical significance for accidental intra-arterial injections, errors in blood pressure readings, as well as orthopedic, plastic and vascular surgeries of the upper limbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superficial palmar arch is an important anatomical structure that contributes to the arterial supply of the palmar side of the hand in the upper extremity. However, there is limited information on the embryological morphological structure of the superficial palmar arch in the literature. We studied the types of the superficial palmar arch and determined their variations by dissecting 80 upper extremities of 40 formalin-fixed human fetuses (19 males, 21 females) 18–37 weeks of age. The types and variations of the superficial palmar arch were examined, and the median artery was imaged. The superficial palmar arch type was complete in 58 hands (72.5%) and incomplete in 22 hands (27.5%). The complete group consisted of type A (47.5%), type B (16.25%), type C (3.75%), type D (1.25%), and type E (3.75%). On the other hand, the incomplete group consisted of type F (15%), type G (8.75%), type H (2.5%), and type I (1.25%). A median artery that originated from the ulnar artery and passed through the carpal tunnel during its course was detected in two hands (2.5%). Knowledge of the superficial palmar arch variations will contribute to hand microsurgery particularly in vascular graft and free flap application interventions for arterial bleeding in the palmar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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There is an infrequent disposition of the first metacarpal artery which results in an anastomosis with the common palmar digital artery of the second space, forming an anastomotic system between the deep radial system and the superficial ulnar system. The radial system in turn, through the first dorsal interosseous artery, anastomoses with a collateral of the common palmar digital artery of the second space, ending as the ulnar palmar digital artery of the thumb and establishing a second anastomotic system. A third anastomosis is established in one case, between the common palmar digital artery of the fourth space and the fourth metacarpal artery. To this may be added the classic anastomosis between the superficial branch of the ulnar artery and the deep branch of the radial artery, i.e. the deep palmar arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The proper palmar digital arteries arise infrequently from dorsal metacarpal arteries. This work reports the second dorsal metacarpal artery unusual ending and a vascular variation related to the superficial palmar arch.Materials and Methods: Fresh human upper limbs routine dissection, from a male cadaver, injected with coloured elastomeric material, immersed in 10% formalin.Results: The second dorsal metacarpal artery presented terminal branches, the index finger medial proper digital palmar artery and the middle finger lateral proper digital palmar artery. At the division point of both terminal branches, the second dorsal metacarpal artery anastomoses with a thin forth common digital palmar artery.Conclusions: The value of this knowledge about the infrequent vascular dispo-sition lies in vascularised flaps design using the second dorsal metacarpal artery. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 393-396). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial variations are common in upper extremity. The present article describes a case of higher division of brachial artery. Higher division of brachial artery occurred above the level of insertion of coracobrachialis muscle. Further, the brachial artery proper continues lateral to median nerve in the cubital fossa and divides into radial and ulnar artery at the level of neck of radius. Higher division of brachial artery continues downward and medially, medial to the median nerve in cubital fossa, forming the superficial palmar arch in the palm. Knowledge of such variation is extremely important, especially for the limb surgeons (for carrying out surgeries in arm, creating arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis), routine blood pressure measurements, radiographic imaging, and interventionists. The relevant topics of embryology, anatomy, and its clinical importance have been discussed in the literature review. The purpose of this article is to highlight the need for the awareness of the potential existence of such anatomical variation and how it can be preoperatively detected by color Doppler imaging, which would help the surgeons and clinicians to plan out surgery and therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the abnormalities and variations of the arterial system of upper extremities and superficial palmar arch with computed tomography angiography and to guide the clinician during this procedure. Methods: A total of 156 upper extremities of 78 cases were retrospectively analyzed using computed tomography angiography. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of the hospital. From the analysis of the computed tomography angiography images, the following information was recorded; the diameters and abnormalities of radial, ulnar and brachial arteries in both upper extremities, the presence of atherosclerotic changes or stenosis in these arteries, whether the superficial palmar arch was complete or incomplete, and arterial dominance. Also, the computed tomography angiography classification of superficial palmar arch distribution and anatomic configuration was performed. Results: The mean baseline diameters of the radial, ulnar and brachial arteries of the cases were; 2.8 ± 0.6, 2.5 ± 0.7, and 4.7 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. A complete superficial palmar arch was observed in 69.2 % of the right hands and 70.5 % of the left hands. For the superficial palmar arches on the right side, the radial artery was dominant in two and the ulnar artery was dominant in 47 with the remaining showing codominance. On the left side, the radial artery was dominant in one hand, with the ulnar artery being dominant in 49 cases, and in 28 cases, there was codominance. In the superficial palmar arch classification, four of the arches (A-D) were defined as complete and the remaining three (E-G) as incomplete. Conclusion: The current study clarified different variations in palmar circulation and forearm arteries to aid the surgeon during trans-radial or trans-ulnar catheterization, hemodialysis, or coronary artery bypass grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A persistent median artery is a rare anomaly. It accompanies the median nerve along its course in the forearm and is of variable origin. It is associated with other local anatomical variations and may contribute significantly towards formation of the superficial palmar arch. In embryos, it is responsible mainly for the blood supply to the hand. The objective of this study was to research the frequency, type (forearm or palmar) and origin of the median artery in fetuses, correlating its presence with sex and body side. Red-colored latex was injected into 32 brachial arteries of human fetuses until its arrival in the hand could be seen. Twenty-four hours after the injection, the median arteries were dissected without the aid of optical instruments. Among the 32 forearms dissected, the median artery was present in 81.25 % (26) of the cases, and it was found more frequently in females and on the left side. Regarding origin, most of the median arteries originated in the common interosseous artery (38.5 %) and anterior interosseous artery (34.6 %). The mean length of the median arteries was 21.1 mm for the palmar type and 19.8 mm for the forearm type. The median artery has a high rate of persistence. It is important to be aware of this anatomical variation, since its presence may give rise to difficulties during routine surgical procedures on the wrist. Its presence may cause serious functional complications in the carpal tunnel, anterior interosseous nerve, round pronator syndromes, and ischemia of the hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Médicas UIS is the property of Universidad Industrial de Santander and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We report a rare combination of variations in the upper limb of a human cadaver. Accessory flexor carpi ulnaris with absent palmaris longus was observed in the left forearm during routine dissection of a male cadaver. Variant vascular pattern was observed bilaterally. Brachial artery bifurcated at a higher level. Ulnar artery gave rise to persistent median artery (PMA) which pierced the median nerve and accompanied it deep into flexor retinaculum to terminate as two common palmar digital arteries. Superficial palmar arch was not formed as the PMA did not anastomose with either the radial or ulnar artery. Radial artery was small and deep palmar arch was mainly contributed by the deep branch of ulnar artery. Awareness of these coexistent variations in the forearm and hand is anatomically as well as clinically important in reconstructive hand surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was the examination of the superficial anatomy of palmar creases and their relation to deeper neuro-vascular structures. Methods: Four creases: distal wrist flexion crease, thenar crease, proximal palmar crease and distal palmar crease were evaluated with reference to the following structures: palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve, palmar cutaneous branch of ulnar nerve, the nerve of Henle, transverse palmar branches from ulnar nerve, recurrent motor branch of median nerve, radial proper palmar digital nerve to the index and the ulnar proper palmar digital nerve to the thumb, Berrettini's communicating branch, ulnar nerve and artery, superficial palmar arch. We performed dissections of 20 cadaveric upper limbs derived from a homogenous Caucasian group. In our study we measured the location of surgically important structures with reference to palmar skin creases. Results: Among the other observations we noticed that the palmar cutaneous branches of the median and ulnar nerves were located at least 0.5 cm away from the thenar crease. The superficial palmar arch was found between the thenar and proximal palmar crease and never crossed the proximal or distal palmar creases. Conclusions: These anatomical dissections will provide reference material for further ultrasound studies on the arrangements of neuro-vascular structures in reference to superficial palmar creases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge of the variations in the arterial supply of hand has reached a point of practical importance with the advent of microvascular surgery for revascularization, replantation and composite tissue transfers. Arterial supply of hand is derived from two anastomotic arches, formed between two main arteries of forearm i.e. radial, ulnar and their branches, in the palm. Objective: The superficial palmar arch shows variation in formation at the radial side. In the present study we have recorded its data which would help in its clinical and surgical implications. Material and Methods: In the present study we have studied the formation of superficial palmar arches and their variations in 100 cadaveric hands at Dr. D . Y. Patil Medical College, Pune and B.J. Government Medical College, Pune, India. Result and Conclusion: According to Adachi's classification the most predominant pattern obseved was of Ulnar type arch (66%). According to Coleman and Anson classification 82% showed complete (Group I) superficial palmar arches and a very low incidence (18%) of incomplete arches (Group II). This suggests that collateral circulation is present in majority of cases. This would result in least number of complications considering radial artery harvesting for coronary bypass. Sub-classification of arches according to Coleman and Anson 1961 indicates that the predominant type in the present study was of Group I (Type B) which is formed entirely by Ulnar Artery (56%). Median artery and ulnar artery forming an incomplete superficial arch under Group II (Type C) having an incidence of 4% was recorded. Thus in such cases radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass may prove to be less fatal. This study is an effort to provide data about the formation of superficial palmar arches which has been a centre of attraction for most of the surgical procedures and injuries of the hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common presentation to surgical outpatient clinics. Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome involves surgical division of the flexor retinaculum. Palmar and recurrent branches of the median nerve as well as the superficial palmar arch are at risk of damage. Methodology Thirteen cadavers of Sri Lankan nationality were selected. Cadavers with deformed or damaged hands were excluded. All selected cadavers were preserved with the conventional arterial method using formalin as the main preservative. Both hands of the cadavers were placed in the anatomical position and dissected carefully. We took pre- determined measurements using a vernier caliper. We hypothesized that the structures at risk during carpal tunnel decompression such as recurrent branch of the median nerve and superficial palmar arch can be protected if simple anatomical landmarks are identified. We also hypothesized that an avascular area exists in the flexor retinaculum, identification of which facilitates safe dissection with minimal intra operative bleeding. Therefore we attempted to characterize the anatomical extent of such an avascular area as well as anatomical landmarks for a safer carpal tunnel decompression. Ethical clearance was obtained for the study. Results In a majority of specimens the recurrent branch was a single trunk (n =20, 76.9%). Similarly 84.6% (n = 22) were extra ligamentous in location. Mean distance from the distal border of the TCL to the recurrent branch was 7.75 mm. Mean distance from the distal border of TCL to the superficial palmar arch was 11.48 mm. Mean length of the flexor retinaculum, as measured along the incision, was 27.00 mm. Mean proximal and distal width of the avascular area on TCL was 11.10 mm and 7.09 mm respectively. Conclusion We recommend incision along the radial border of the extended ring finger for carpal tunnel decompression. Extending the incision more than 8.16 mm proximally and 7.75 mm distally from the corresponding borders of the TCL should be avoided. Incision should be kept to a mean length of 27.0 mm, which corresponds to the length of TCL along the above axis. We also propose an avascular area along the TCL, identification of which minimizes blood loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in the origin and distribution of Berrettini anastomosis between the digital branches of the ulnar and median nerves exist and are well described in the literature. During regular dissections by medical students, we encountered a rare variation in the left hand of an approximately 50-year-old male cadaver. Berrettini anastomosis connecting the third common palmar digital branch of the median nerve with the fourth common palmar and proper palmar digital branches of the ulnar nerve presented a plexiform nature. This communicating branch and the third common palmar digital branch of the median nerve were perforated by the superficial palmar arch. Further, the superficial palmar arch was incomplete, and it was solely formed by the superficial branch of the ulnar artery. The unusual relationship of Berrettini anastomosis with the superficial palmar arch is very rare, and knowledge about such a variation is important when performing carpal tunnel release, flexor tendon surgery, and Dupuytren's fasciectomy and when dealing with arterial repairs and vascular graft applications in the hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare, unique and previously non-described form of duplicated incomplete superficial palmar arch is reported in the right hand of a male cadaver. The two incomplete arches were formed from the continuation of two terminal palmar branches of the ulnar artery in the distal third of forearm that were connected by a small transverse artery superficial to the flexor retinaculum. Both arches had no contribution from the radial artery. The palmar digital branches from the lateral arch supplied the lateral two-and-a-half fingers, while those from the medial arch supplied the medial two-and-a-half fingers. The thumb and index had additional blood supply from the princeps pollicis and radialis indicis branches of radial artery. The deep palmar arch was entirely formed by the radial artery with no contribution from the ulnar artery. Previous reports on various patterns of superficial palmar arch are highlighted, and the anatomical and clinical importance of the new pattern are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We raised thenar island flaps that were supplied by perforators that originated in the superficial palmar arch or the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery for the reconstruction of fingertip defects in eight patients. The flap was so well-vascularised that a large flap with increased mobility could be raised. The donor site was covered with well-vascularised thick tissue, and skin grafting of the donor site was avoided in all cases. No patient developed a complication, and all flaps survived. Functional and cosmetic results of both fingertips and donor sites were excellent. A perforator island flap from the thenar eminence can be raised easily without injuring any digital and palmar arteries. They have a good colour and texture that matches the fingertips and donor site defects on the palm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic hand injuries resulting in segmental loss of common digital artery are not uncommon. To bridge the gap and repair of transected common digital artery, the superficial palmar arch could be divided proximally on radial side and turned distally to the common digital artery for revascularisation. Revascularisation of the transversely crushed common digital artery can be performed based solely on superficial palmar arch for revascularisation of the segmental loss of common digital artery. However, because of known variability in the palmar arch, intraoperative verification is needed to ensure safe transfer of arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We feel the original description of Kaplan’s cardinal line provides a more accurate reference point to the superficial palmar arterial arch. We sought to anatomically correlate the relationship of Kaplan’s cardinal line to the superficial palmar arch. Sixty hands (30 cadavers) were dissected after Kaplan’s original description was drawn on each hand. Measurements we made from Kaplan’s cardinal line to the superficial palmar arch at both the radial and ulnar borders of the ring finger. The superficial palmar arterial arch was an average of 10.4 and 11.8 mm from the radial and ulnar borders of the ring finger with standard deviations of roughly 4 mm for each measurement. Clinically, Kaplan’s cardinal line is a more predictable landmark for the superficial palmar arch. In referencing this landmark as the distal most extent of an open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release, the superficial palmar arch should be free of transection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superficial palmar arch (SPA) and its contributing arteries are highly variable. The palmar type of median artery (PMA) can be involved in the formation of the SPA by replacing the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (RA) or the ulnar artery (UA). The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of the PMA and its contribution in the formation of SPA in 42 cadavers (84 upper limbs) of Indian origin. When there was a PMA, its outer diameter was measured in the carpal tunnel. The PMA was found in 13 upper limbs (15.4%), and of these ten incidences (11.9%), the PMA took part in the formation of SPA, and in three instances (3.5%), the PMA did not make up part of the SPA. Out of the ten cases in which the PMA contributed to the formation of SPA, in six cases (7.1%), the PMA anastomosed with the UA; in three cases (3.5%), the PMA anastomosed with both the UA and the RA, and in one incidence (1.1%), the PMA joined the arteria radialis indicis (deep branch of the RA) to complete the SPA. The outer diameters of the median arteries varied between 0.8 and 2.6 mm with the mean value of 1.7 mm. The present study concludes that the median–ulnar type of SPA was the most common type of SPA when the PMA was encountered as a source of superficial arterial arcade of the hand, followed by the radial–median–ulnar type. The vascular patterns found in this study are important to hand surgeons. The present study of PMA origin, course, and its contribution to the SPA will add to the existing knowledge of the vascular anatomy of forearm and hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent median artery (PMA) in present cadaver originated from the brachial artery and anastomosed with the superficial palmar arch (SPA). As the PMA may be the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome and SPA is the main source of arterial supply, knowledge of which are important for the hand surgical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aneurysms of the hand are uncommon lesions. The most common location is the ulnar artery. We present a case of a young female who consulted us for a hand mass with a history of trauma to the hand. Pre-operative arteriogram showed a superficial palmar arch aneurysm. The mass was excised and the arch was reconstructed using a reversed Y-shaped vein graft. Fourteen months after surgery, there was no recurrence of the aneurysm and the patient only reported occasional cold intolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotic aneurysms (MAs) are extremely rare. We report a case of MA of the superficial palmar arch in the presence of acute bacterial endocarditis of native aortic valve. The diagnosis was made by arteriography. Excision of MA with microvascular reconstruction was performed to prevent rupture of the aneurysm and possible digital ischemia. MAs of the hand can be treated successfully with surgery, in this case by excision and microvascular reconstruction. Arteriography should be routinely used to plan the surgical strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We encountered a persistent median artery in the forearms and hands bilaterally in a 78-year-old Japanese male cadaver during dissection practice at Wakayama Medical University. The brachial arteries divided into the ulnar and radial arteries. The ulnar artery gave off the median and posterior interosseous arteries at the same point, although the anterior interosseous artery was not found. The median artery ran along the median nerve and bifurcated in the hand. In the superficial layer of the palm, one branch of the median artery ran to the ulnar side of the thumb, whereas the other passed to the second interdigital space. The ulnar artery reached the third and fourth interdigital spaces and the ulnar side of the little finger, and showed no anastomosis with the median artery in the superficial layer of the palm. The radial artery did not give off the superficial palmar branch. Therefore, the formation of the superficial palmar arch was incomplete. In the deep layer of the palm, the radial artery formed the deep palmar arch with the deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery and gave off the princeps pollicis artery. In the dorsum of hand, the radial artery passed over the first dorsal interosseous muscle to the index finger and communicated with the palmar pollical artery from the median artery in the first interosseous space. The present study reports an unusual variation of the persistent median artery in the hand and briefly reviews the literature about the median artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vascular anatomy of the hand is a complex and challenging area and has been the subject of many studies. Knowledge of the vascular patterns and diameters of the hand gained more importance with improvements in microsurgical techniques in reconstructive hand surgery. We evaluated 50 hands (26 left, 24 right) of 26 formalin preserved cadavers to determine the superficial palmar arch, its branches and contributing vessels with special attention to the diameters. The symmetry of the types was also evaluated in detail for the first time in the literature. Measurements were made with the help of a digital caliper. The diameters of the ulnar, radial and median arteries were taken at the level of the wrist while the common palmar digital arteries, hypothenar branches and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery were measured at their origin. Two types of superficial palmar arch were found and defined as complete (43/50 hands) and incomplete arches (7/50 hands). The complete arches were divided into four subgroups and incomplete arches into three subgroups. Most cases were found at the complete AI group (17 hands). Comparison of the arterial diameters showed the ulnar artery was the dominant vessel of the palm. The diameters of the common palmar digital arteries were not different with regard to complete or incomplete arches and between both sides. It looks safe to sacrifice one of the radial or ulnar arteries in some arterial interventions including radial artery cannulation, radial forearm flap and radial or ulnar artery harvesting for bypass grafting if the arch is complete. But we still recommend the noninvasive tests like modified Allen test or Doppler ultrasonography, before performing an invasive arterial intervention. We propose the radiologists to incorporate the median artery into the Doppler dynamic test in particular the existence or the absence of anastomoses between radial and ulnar arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of radial arteries as an arterial bypass conduit is an invasive procedure which is becoming popular among various medical centres. The greatest risk associated with harvesting the radial artery is ischaemia of the soft tissues of the hand. In this study we dissected 200 hands derived from 100 formalin-fixed cadavers in order to identify arterial patterns that will allow safe removal of the radial artery for use in bypass procedures. A complete superficial palmar arch (SPA) was found in 90% of the cases and divided into 5 types, while the remaining 10% possessed an incomplete palmar arch. Types of SPA are designated by the letter S. In type S-I (40%), the SPA is formed by anastomosis of the superficial volar branch of the radial artery to the ulnar artery. Type S-II (35%) is formed entirely of the ulnar artery. Type S-III (15%) is formed by anastomosis of the ulnar and median arteries. Type S-IV (6%) is formed by anastomosis of the ulnar, radial, and median arteries and Type S-V (4%) is formed by a branch of the deep palmar arch (DPA) communicating with the SPA. DPA was identified in all specimens and classified into three types, all designated by the letter D. Type D-I (60%) is formed by anastomosis of the deep volar branch of the radial artery and the inferior deep branch of the ulnar branch. Type D-II (30%) is formed by anastomosis of the deep volar branch of the radial artery and the superior deep branch of the ulnar artery. Type D-III (10%) is formed by anastomosis of the deep volar branch of the radial artery with both deep branches of the ulnar artery. This data could provide an important source of information for vascular surgeons harvesting radial arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five cases are described where the first web space of the hand received arteries only from the superficial palmar arch. None of these branches was large enough to deserve the name “princeps pollicis artery”. These variations must be taken into account during surgical dissections of the hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Surgical & Radiologic Anatomy is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The anatomical variations in the arterial supply of the palm are frequently reported. One such variation reported during routine dissection for undergraduate medical students in our college is the absence of superficial palmar arch and presence of persistent median artery. The arterial supply to the palm is in the form of superficial and deep palmar arches. In the present case the median artery and ulnar artery supplies the palm without forming an arch on the left extremity. Awareness of variations in the vascular pattern of the palm is clinically important in case of angiographic procedures and surgical emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Surgical & Radiologic Anatomy is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article describes a complex variation in the pattern of blood supply to the palm of the hand. In the present case; a) the superficial palmar branch of the radial a. coursed superficial to the thenar mm.; b) The princeps pollicis and radialis indicis aa. arose from the superficial palmar branch of the radial a.; c) The first and second common palmar digital aa. arose as a common trunk from the superficial palmar arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of variations in the formation of superficial palmar arch is beneficial for successful vascular surgery in the hand as well as for plastic surgeons. The authors describe an unusual completion of superficial palmar arch by first dorsal metacarpal branch of radial artery at the first interdigital cleft which was encountered during routine upper limb dissection for undergraduates. The arteria princeps pollicis and arteria radialis indicis also were the branches of first dorsal metacarpal artery at the first interdigital cleft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract During a routine anatomic dissection of a 60-year-old female cadaver, a large branch of the ulnar artery in the carpal tunnel was found in the left forearm. This branch crossed the median nerve anteriorly. Guyon’s canal contained another branch of the ulnar artery and the ulnar nerve. There was no superficial palmar arch in the left hand. The right forearm was without any vascular anomalies. This anomaly has considerable consequences for surgeons considering endoscopic carpal release, because there is a significant risk of injury to the ulnar artery branch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the variations in arterial patterns of the superficial and deep palmar arches, as well as the determination of the luminal diameter in the arteries that form the arches and in some of their branches by means of light microscopy. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was done for which 25 embalmed cadavers hands were used. The procedure was done in 3 stages: 1) macroscopic dissection, 2) extraction of the arches and conservation, 3) histological technique and measurements. The superficial palmar arterial arch was complete in 14 (56%) of the samples and in 11 cases (44%) the arch was incomplete. The deep palmar arterial arch was complete in 20 (80%) of the samples and in 5 cases (20%) the arch was incomplete. The average diameter of the ulnar artery was 1.86 (σ=0.38) mm at the pisiform bone, for deep branche of ulnar was 0.97 (σ=0.20) mm. The presentation of the palmar arterial arches is very complex and varied, with at least one of the arches being always complete. The diameters of the arteries that contribute to form these arches have been studied very little and ample differences exist between the results found in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]