A Study of Variations In The Formation of Superficial Palmar Arch In The Rural Population Of Sourthern Tamilnadu

Abstract

Introduction: The hand in the humans, is abundantly supplied by blood by two anastomotic arches, they are being the superficial palmar arch (SPA) and the deep palmar arch (DPA). These two arterial arcades are formed by the anastomosis between the two main arteries of the forearm ie. the radial, the ulnar and their branches. The anatomy of the palmar vascular arches and their variations were one of the most interesting and challenging anatomical areas , traditionally the superficial palmar arch is formed by the union of superficial palmar branch of the ulnar artery with the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery or with the arteria radialis indicis , with the ulnar artery as the main feeding vessel . Aim of the study: The fact that frequent anatomic variations in the arterial pattern of hand drew our attention so as to ascertain the prevalence of variations in the SPA of south Tamilnadu population. Materials And Methods: In our study we took fifty (50) disarticulated upper limbs from 25 adult human cadavers, which included both the sexes. All the cadavers were from the department of anatomy, which were used for routine undergraduate teaching. All the cadavers were embalmed and stored in tanks and all the limbs were dissected as per the instructions given by Cunnighams manual of practical anatomy,including the hand and if any variations found were noted and photographed. Results: In our study we came across two variations in two different hands unilaterally on the right side belonging to male sex. In both the hands we found double superficial palmar arches, without median artery. Conclusion: The present study has revealed details about some of the variations of superficial palmar arch in humans which will be supplementing our already existing knowledge of variations. Recent advances in the microvascular surgical techniques for reconstructive hand surgeries have made mandatory, the clear understanding of variant arterial arches encountered in our population, so a comprehensive knowledge of which will be useful for the hand surgeons and orthopedicians for surgical intervention and for a successful outcome after surgery.

Keywords

• superficial palmar arch
• morphology
• double superficial palmar arch
• south tamilnadu population
• variation.