Persistent Median Artery In the Carpal Tunnel.
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Date
2014-07
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Abstract
Introduction: Persistent median artery originates from the anterior interosseous artery in proximal one-third
of the forearm and accompanies median nerve. Median artery may regress in the forearm or enter palm through
the carpal tunnel deep to flexor retinaculum of wrist and supply palm by anastomosing with the superficial
palmar arch.
Objective: In present study the objective was to study presence of persistent median artery accompanying
median nerve and its termination
Materials and Methods: The study included 50 human cadaver upper limb specimens at the Department of
Anatomy, Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore during 2011-13. These specimens fixed in 10%
formalin were finely dissected and persistent median artery was traced from origin to termination.
Results: Out of 50 human cadaver specimens, persistent median artery was present in 4 specimens (8%). All
the 4 median arteries originated from anterior interosseous artery and were of palmar type which reached
palm. Out of 4 median arteries, 3 median arteries (6%) took part in completion of superficial palmar arch,
supplying the distal aspect of palm and 1 median artery (2%) directly supplied radial two and half fingers
without forming arch.
Conclusion: Knowledge of unusual variations helps in proper treatment of disorders of the median nerve.
Presence of persistent median artery usually will be asymptomatic but may cause symptoms of carpal tunnel
syndrome or pronator teres syndrome when subjected to compression. Rarely this artery can be taken for
reconstruction.
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Keywords
Median nerve, Variations, Carpal tunnel, Persistent Median artery, Anterior Interosseous artery
Citation
Raviprasanna K H, Dakshayani K R. Persistent Median Artery In the Carpal Tunnel. International Journal of Anatomy and Research. 2014 Jul-Sep; 2(3): 589-593.