A Cadaveric Study on The Anatomical Variations of Brachial Plexus in Kolkata Based Population

Abstract

Background: The brachial plexus supplies motor, sensory and sympathetic fibres to the upper limb are vulnerable to damage in radical neck dissection and other surgical operations of the axilla and upper arm. In our present study we intend to elaborate these various anomalies in the branching patterns of brachial plexus by cadaveric dissection which may prove to be helpful in reducing brachial plexus injuries during neck surgeries. Objectives: Observation and record of various anomalous branching patterns of brachial plexus in human cadavers. Materials and Methods: The dissection was carried out in 50 upper limbs of formalin hardened human cadavers of both the sexes in the Department of Anatomy, IPGME&R, Kolkata,West Bengal. Roots, trunks, divisions, cords and branches of brachial plexus were dissected and observed carefully for any abnormality. RESULT: Out of 50 samples, in 16% cases the Axillary nerve took origin as a common trunk. In 22% cases a communicating branch was found between the musculocutaneous nerve and median nerve. In 4% cases, there was complete fusion between the above two nerves.The mean length of the communicating branch was seen to be 6.5cm. Conclusion: The knowledge of variations of brachial plexus is very important for anatomists; orthopaedic surgeons and general physicians during surgical interventions of the axilla and anaesthetists during arthroscopies, coracoid process grafting or shoulder surgeries.