Double superficial palmar arch - a case report

Abstract

The superficial palmar arch is formed predominantly by the ulnar artery with a contribution from the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. However, the arch formation is highly variable. The knowledge of the relationship, course and variations of the arch are important in various surgical procedures. Incomplete ligation of vessels in cases of variable arterial arch can lead to serious secondary hemorrhage in the depth of the wounds of hand. In the present study, a case of double superficial palmar arch is reported in the right hand of a male cadaver. The radio-ulnar type of arch had a proximal and a distal part from where the common palmar digital arteries arose.

Keywords

• double superficial palmar arch
• radioulnar
• palmar digital artery