Anatomical variations of the brachial plexus terminal branches in Ethiopian cadavers

Abstract

Anatomical variations are clinically significant, but many are inadequately described or quantified. Variations in anatomy of the brachial plexus are important to surgeons and anesthesiologists performing surgical procedures in the neck, axilla and upper limb regions. It is also important for radiologists who interpret plain and computerized imaging and anatomists to teach anatomy. This study aimed to describe the anatomical variations of the terminal branches of brachial plexus on 20 Ethiopian cadavers. The cadavers were examined bilaterally for the terminal branches of brachial plexus. From the 40 sides studied for the terminal branches of the brachial plexus; 28 sides were found without variation, 10 sides were found with median nerve variation, 2 sides were found with musculocutaneous nerve variation and 2 sides were found with axillary nerve variation. We conclude that variation in the median nerve was more common than variations in other terminal branches.