Variations of the Superficial Palmar Arch: A Cadaveric Study from South India

Abstract

Background: The Superficial Palmar Arch (SPA) is an important part of the hand's vascular architecture. The ulnar artery, along with branches of the radial and median arteries, contributes to the formation of the superficial palmar arch. Surgeons need to be aware of the various variations of the SPA, especially while planning various surgical interventions in the hand. Objectives: To investigate the anatomical variations of the superficial palmar arch in cadaveric hands. Methods: The current cadaveric study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, K.A.P.V. Government Medical College and MGMGH, Trichy. The study involved 50 hands (right and left hands were randomly selected) from the adult cadavers in the department of anatomy, K.A.P.V Government Medical College and MGMGH, Trichy. The hands which had evidence of trauma, pathological deformities and surgical procedures were excluded from the study. Results: We observed 5 variants of the superficial palmar arch; the commonest was the classical arch 34% (17/60). The variants observed were Ulnar Dominant type (26%), Radial Dominant (16%), Median Artery Contribution (14%) and the Complex Configuration (10%). The mean diameter of the ulnar arteries was 2.4 ± 0.2mm, while the mean radial artery was 2.3 ± 0.3mm. There was no significant difference in the presence of variants between the sides and among genders. Conclusion: We observed significant anatomical variations in the superficial palmar arch; this stresses the need for adequate knowledge regarding these variations, especially among surgeons specialising in hand surgery.