Abstract

Background: The brachial plexus is constituted by the ventral rami of C5-T1 spinal nerves. It forms a network of terminal nerves that innervate the upper limb. Variations of brachial plexus are common and a better awareness of variations is very crucial to achieve successful results in its surgical procedures. The aim of present study was to find the variant patterns of brachial plexus and to discuss their developmental and clinical significance. Materials and Method: 50 upper limbs belonging to 25 formalized and well preserved male cadavers obtained from the Department of Anatomy, constituted the material for the study. These were dissected and roots, trunks, cords and terminal branches of brachial plexus were exposed. The variant patterns were noted and photographed. Results: Out of 50 limbs, 5 limbs showed variations of brachial plexus at different levels.All the variations seen were unilateral. Out of 5 variant patterns seen, different types of communications between musculocutaneous and median nerve were observed in 4 limbs (8%).Out of 4, in 1 limb (2%) medial cord joined with lateral root of median nerve to form mediano-ulnar nerve which after a distance of 1cm bifurcated into median and ulnar nerve. In one limb (2%), there was no distinction between medial and lateral cord. Instead a single anterior cord was formed by union of anterior divisions of all the three trunks anterior to axillary artery. Conclusion: The variant patterns of brachial plexus are usually more prone to accidental injuries and entrapment neuropathies. Knowledge of such variations may provide additional anatomical information for the clinicians during diagnosis of unusual clinical symptoms and also for surgeons during surgical exploration of axilla and arm to avoid damage to these nerves.

Authors and Affiliations