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Variations of the radial recurrent artery of clinical interest

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Abstract

Purpose

The anatomy of the radial recurrent artery (RRA) is important for different clinical procedures: interventional cardiology and microsurgery of the forearm; however, few studies have analysed its morphology: number, course, relations and distribution.

Methods

The RRA was analysed in 332 upper limbs divided into two groups: (1) normal pattern of the arterial axis of the upper limb (266 cases), (2) associated with major arterial variations (66 cases).

Results

A second or accessory RRA existed in 31.2 % in group 1, and 30.3 % in group 2. In both groups, the second RRA originated from the brachial (100 %) and always (100 %) coursed behind the bicipital tendon. The accessory RRA supplied the brachioradialis, brachialis and biceps brachii muscles. The RRA in group 1, originated mostly from the radial artery (75 %), followed by radioulnar division and ulno-interosseous trunk. In group 2, the RRA arise from the brachioradial artery (65 %), or from the radial artery (in cases of ulnar or brachial artery variation). The course of the RRA behind the biceps brachii tendon was observed in 9.4 % of group 1 and in 6.1 % of group 2. The RRA supplied the brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, and supinator muscles. The RRA and accessory RRA anastomosed forming a ring around the biceps brachii tendon in 0.75 % in group 1 and in 13.6 % in group 2, the latter group having an important clinical interest.

Conclusions

The variability of the RRA may provide an advantage for microsurgical procedures of the elbow and disadvantage during transradial catheterism.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by funds obtained through postgraduate training courses by the UCM920547 Group.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy and Embryology I, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    T. Vazquez, J. R. Sañudo & M. Rodríguez-Niedenführ

  2. Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain

    J. Carretero

  3. School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK

    I. Parkin

Authors
  1. T. Vazquez
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  2. J. R. Sañudo
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  3. J. Carretero
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  4. I. Parkin
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  5. M. Rodríguez-Niedenführ
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Rodríguez-Niedenführ.

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Vazquez, T., Sañudo, J.R., Carretero, J. et al. Variations of the radial recurrent artery of clinical interest. Surg Radiol Anat 35, 689–694 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-013-1094-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-013-1094-4

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