Unique Variation of the Radial Nerve Involving the Subscapular Artery- A Case Report

Abstract

The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves that supplies sensory, motor and sympathetic innervation of the upper limbs. Variations are often encountered in its anatomy. During routine undergraduate dissection of the axilla of a 75-year-old male cadaver at a tertiary hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat, India a yet to be reported variation was observed on the left side. The radial nerve split into two nerve roots soon after its formation, encircled the subscapular artery and then reunited again to form a single trunk which then coursed into the left lower triangular space. No other anomaly was observed on the left side. The anatomy of the right side was normal. The variation as observed in the present case is not only important from the academic point of view but also has important clinical bearings during various therapeutic and diagnostic procedures performed in this region.

Keywords

• brachial
• cord
• plexus
• posterior
• roots