Anatomical Variations in Origin and the Branching Pattern of the Brachial Plexus in Selected Universities of Ethiopia and its Clinical Implication

Abstract

Introduction: Brachial plexus is a key anatomic structure and variations in the form; this plexus is of greatest importance due to the practical significances of this plexus for modern clinical and surgical procedures done in this region. Alongside this background, we aimed to study the variations in the formation and branching pattern of brachial plexus and to observe intercommunications between nerves of this plexus. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on appropriately embalmed and formalin fixed human male cadavers during regular dissection training for undergraduate students at the Department of Anatomy in Ethiopian Governmental Medical Colleges (Mekelle University, Adigrat University, and Aksum University and Gondar University) during the period of 2015–2016. Results: Out of forty upper limbs observed (twenty male cadavers), variations in the origin and branching pattern of the brachial plexus were observed in thirteen (32.5%) of the cadavers assessed. The identified variations were four trunked brachial plexus, formation of posterior cord only by the posterior divisions of superior and middle trunks, the communication between the lateral root of the median nerve of the ulnar nerve, the communication between median and musculocutaneous nerve, formation of median Nerve by two lateral roots and one medial root, communications between lateral cord and medial root of the median nerve. Conclusion: This study has shown definitive variations in the formation of trunks, divisions, cords and terminal branches. This study work would add imperative information in the collection of scientific facts to this specific niche within the anatomical facts and across many medical disciplines.

Keywords: Brachial plexus, trunk, cord, terminal branches, variations

Cite this Article

Micheale Hailu, Birhane Alem Berihu, Tekleberhan Beyene et al. Anatomical Variations in Origin and the Branching Pattern of the Brachial Plexus in Selected Universities of Ethiopia and its Clinical Implication. Research and Reviews: Journal of Neuroscience. 2018; 8(3): 1–8p.