Unusual variations of the lateral and posterior cords in a female cadaver

Thwin SS, Fazlin Z, Than M, Lwin S, Myint M
Correspondence: Dr San San Thwin, santhwin@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
The presence of anatomical variations of the peripheral nervous system often accounts for unexpected clinical signs and symptoms. We report unusual variations of the lateral and posterior cords of the brachial plexus in a female cadaver. Such variations are attributed to a faulty union of divisions of the brachial plexus during the embryonic period. The median nerve lay medial to the axillary artery (AA) on both sides. On the right, the lateral root of the median nerve crossing the AA and the median nerve in relation to the medial side of the AA was likely the result of a faulty development of the seventh intersegmental artery. We discuss these variations and compare them with the findings of other researchers. Knowledge of such rare variations is clinically important, aiding radiologists, anaesthesiologists and surgeons to avoid inadvertent damage to nerves and the AA during blocks and surgical interventions.

Keywords: axillary nerve, lateral cord, median nerve, posterior cord, radial nerve
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(6): e128–e130