Anatomical variations of the superficial palmar arch and its clinical relevance

Abstract

Backgorund / Aim. In-depth knowledge of the vascular network of hand is of great importance in modern medicine. The main vessel of hand is the superficial palmar arch. As typically described in anatomical textbooks, it arises as terminal branch of the ulnar artery which then anastomoses with the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. However, the superficial palmar arch is characterized by remarkable variability, which was the area of interest of many researchers so far. Comprehensive examination of the anatomy of the superficial palmar arch which included two parameters - the formation of the superficial palmar arch and its localization in relation to the topographic landmarks of the hand. Methods. Research was conducted on a total number of 14 cadavers. After careful dissection, variations and distance of the superficial palmar arch from Kaplan?s cardinal line were observed on the right hands. Collected data were then analyzed statistically in SPSS 11.0 using the Mann-Whitney U test, with the accepted level of statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results. According to Coleman and Anson classification, the higher incidence of incomplete type (57.14%) of the superficial palmar arch should be in comparison to complete type (42.86%). In addition to this, a statistically significant difference discovered in distance of the superficial palmar arch from Kaplan?s cardinal line between two groups with complete and incomplete types, respectively. The parameter examined in the group with complete type took the value of 2.13 ? 0.32 cm, while in the group with incomplete type measured 3.33 ? 0.87 cm. Conclusion. The present study showed a very important complexity in the domain of anatomy of the superficial palmar arch with numerous clinical implications. For that reason, a thorough evaluation of the hand circulatory system should be considered while planning surgical procedures in order to avoid operative and postoperative complications.