Abstract

Background: The axillary artery is a direct continuation of the subclavian artery. The axillary artery is usually gives off six branches. Variation in the branching pattern of axillary artery is very commonly seen. The knowledge in variations of axillary artery is helpful in anatomy, radiology and surgery to explain unexpected clinical signs and symptoms. Materials and Methods: The present study undertaken on 30 upper limb (15 cadevers) in department of Anatomy at RKDFMCH&RC, Jatkhedi, Bhopal. None of them had any pathological lesions, traumatic lesions or surgical procedures in the axillary region. Bilateral dissection of axilla was conducted and the branching patterns of the axillary artery was studied. Observations and Results: Unilateral variations were observed in two cadavers. In (6.66%) cases we observed a unique variation of early division of axillary artey. In (3.33%) cases the second part of axillary artery shows three extra branches (alar artery) In (3.33%) we observed a subscapular artery arises from the second part of axillary artery. Up to 36% of it arises from a common trunk with posterior circumflex humeral artery. In (3.33 %), bilaterally a common trunk from II part gave origin to anterior circumflex humeral, post circumflex humeral and subscapular artery. In 3.33% cases the circumflex scapular artery directly arises from the third part of axillary artery. In 6.66% cases the anterior circumflex is three in number.In the rest of the cadavers, axillary artery was normal in its course and distribution. Conclusion: The detailed knowledge about anatomy of normal as well as variant axillary artery is very helpful for the surgeons and radiologists performing interventional surgery.

Authors and Affiliations