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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 8/2013

01-10-2013 | Original Article

Variations of the radial recurrent artery of clinical interest

Authors: T. Vazquez, J. R. Sañudo, J. Carretero, I. Parkin, M. Rodríguez-Niedenführ

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 8/2013

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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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Metadata
Title
Variations of the radial recurrent artery of clinical interest
Authors
T. Vazquez
J. R. Sañudo
J. Carretero
I. Parkin
M. Rodríguez-Niedenführ
Publication date
01-10-2013
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 8/2013
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-013-1094-4

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