An atypical anatomical variation of the palmar vascular pattern

Dhar P, Lall K
Correspondence: Dr Pushpa Dhar, dharpushpa@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT
A complex variation in the pattern of blood supply to the palm of the hand was encountered during a routine dissection of a female adult cadaver. Findings were: (a) there was no communication between the superficial palmar branches of the radial and ulnar arteries (incomplete superficial palmar arch); (b) the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery coursed superficially to the thenar muscles supplying two common palmar digital arteries for adjacent sides of the thumb and index finger, thereby replacing the conventional arteria radialis indices; (c) the branch supplying the lateral side of the thumb was seen arising from the deep branch of the radial artery; (d) the superficial palmar branch of the ulnar artery supplied a branch to the medial side of the little finger, and two common palmar digital arteries for the adjacent sides of the little and ring fingers and ring and middle fingers, respectively. Familiarity with the variations in the vascular patterns resulting from a number of developmental errors remains the crucial issue for personnel engaged in reconstructive hand surgery, where these varied patterns act as pivotal points around which successful accomplishment of various advanced surgical procedures revolve.

Keywords: arterial pattern in hand, dominant blood supply, radial artery, superficial palmar arch, ulnar artery
Singapore Med J. 2008; 49(9): e245-9