Anatomical Relationship Between the Profunda Brachii Artery and the Radial Nerve at the Entrance and Within the Radial Groove

Abstract

PurposeIn this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between the profunda brachii artery and the radial nerve at the entrance to and within the radial groove considering no comparable study was found in the literature.MethodDissection was performed in 44 upper extremities (21 right and 23 left) of 24 fixed cadavers used for medical education at Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Anatomy.ResultsProfunda brachii artery was found to be a single artery in 39 extremities and a double artery in 5 extremities. In 27 cases with single PBA, the nerve was located superolateral to the PBA (Type A), and in 8 cases the nerve was located inferomedial to the PBA (Type B). In all 5 extremities with double profunda brachii artery, the proximal branch was superolateral (Type A) and the distal branch was inferomedial (Type B).ConclusionsThis research will support surgeons understanding how to better anatomically and radiologically treat humeral fractures and lateral arm flap applications.