IJAR.2019.194

Type of Article:  Original Research

Volume 7; Issue 3.1 (July 2019)

Page No.: 6706-6711

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2019.194

ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS IN THE FORMATION OF MEDIAN NERVE WITH ITS CLINICAL IMPLICATION: A CADAVERIC STUDY

Afewerki Bekele Degene*, Brhanu Gebremeskel Gebremedhn, Kidanemariam Gaim kidanu.

Lecturer  of Anatomy and Histology, Biomedical Sciences division, School of medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University- Mekelle, Ethiopia P.O. Box 1871, Ethiopia

Address for Correspondence: Afewerki Bekele Degene, Lecturer  of Anatomy and Histology, Biomedical Sciences division, School of medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University- Mekelle, Ethiopia P.O. Box 1871, Ethiopia.  E-Mail: Afewerki1996@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:

Background: The brachial plexus is a major and complicated plexus that gives rise to a number of nerves to the muscles of the back and the upper limb .Median nerve (MN) is one of the terminal branches of the brachial plexus (BP). It is normally formed in the axilla by union of lateral and medial spinal roots, which arise from lateral and medial cords of brachial plexus. The purpose of this study is to provide additional information about variations in the formation of median nerve as its abnormal branching pattern constitutes a major importance in anatomical, clinical and surgical fields.

Methods: Observational based descriptive study was made on sixteen cadavers comprising of 32 upper limbs, of which one specimen was female cadaver. The dissection was performed bilaterally on both upper limbs and the axillary regions of the cadavers. Careful observation for the variation in the formation of median nerve has been carried out. The finding was properly photographed for proper documentation.

Results: It was observed that out of 32 upper limbs 5 (15.63%) showed anatomical variations in the formation of median nerve, with its course, branching pattern and communication with musculocutaneous nerve. Among the variations in 1(3.13%) median nerve was formed by the fusion of three roots, two from the lateral and one from the medial cord of the brachial plexus (BP). Further in 2(6.25%) medial root of medial cord receive additional unusual small lateral root from lateral cord forms median nerve. In other 2(6.25%) median nerve also receive communication rami from musculocutaneous nerve at the lower third of the arm just below coracobrachialis muscle.

Conclusion: The anatomical variations were not bilateral in any cadaver, hence 4 (12.50%) of the variations occurred more often on the left side, and 1(3.13%) occurred in right side. Therefore knowledge of such variations is important for anatomists, radiologists, neurologists, anesthesiologists, and surgeons for proper clinical diagnosis. So, these variations should be well kept in mind.

Key words: Brachial plexus, Median nerve, Musculocutaneous nerve, Anatomical Variations, Formation of median nerve.

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Cite this article: Afewerki Bekele Degene, Brhanu Gebremeskel Gebremedhn, Kidanemariam Gaim kidanu. ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS IN THE FORMATION OF MEDIAN NERVE WITH ITS CLINICAL IMPLICATION: A CADAVERIC STUDY. Int J Anat Res 2019;7(3.1):6706-6711. DOI: 10.16965/ijar.2019.194