Morphologic variations of the superficial palmar arc

Abstract

The superficial palmar arc ensures the blood supply to the palm of the hand. It is formed by the ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (classic pattern), shows a distal convexity, from where three ordinary digital palmar arteries go out. It is located over the flexor muscles of the fingers, the lumbrical muscles, and the branches of the median and the ulnar nerves, under the protection of the palmar aponeurosis. PURPOSE: The fact of frequent anatomic variations attracted the interest in checking its incidence, improving the knowledge of the territory of the hand aiming clinical and surgical applications. The aim of this study is the observation of the morphology of the superficial palmar arc and the frequency of the variations regarding the contribution of the other arteries to its formation. METHODS: To carry out this work, 30 pieces of corpse, fixed in a watery solution of formaldehyde, were studied by the method of macroscopic dissection. The analyzed pieces were designed and photographs were taken, and the obtained results, statistically, applying the test of equality of proportions, had a level of trust of 95%. RESULTS: An amount of 100% showed the superficial palmar arc. From these, 18 cases (60%) showed anastomosis among the arteries that form the arc and 12 cases (40%) did not. Concerning about the arterial contribution for the arc formation, the following results were obtained: 11 cases (36,67%) were formed by the anastomosis of the ulnar artery with the superficial branch of the radial artery; 7 cases (23%) were formed by the ulnar artery only; 4 cases (13,33%) were formed by the ulnar artery and the superficial branch of the radial artery without anastomosis; 4 cases (13,33%) were formed by the anastomosis of the ulnar artery with the main artery of the thumb; 3 cases (10%) were formed by the anastomosis of the ulnar artery with the median artery of the forearm; 1 case (3,33%) was formed by the ulnar artery and the median artery without anastomosis. CONCLUSION: These results show the incidence of the classic pattern and variations of morphology and different types of contribution for the formation of the superficial palmar arc.