Unique Variation of Superficial and Deep Palmar Arches: A Case Report With Literature Review

TL;DR

This case report describes a rare variation in the hand's palmar arches, which is important for surgical procedures involving hand vascular anatomy.

Contribution

The paper documents a previously unreported anastomosis between the third common digital artery and the proper digital artery.

Findings

The first and second dorsal metacarpal arteries originated from the radial artery and contributed to the superficial and deep palmar arches.

A new anastomosis was found between the third common digital artery and the proper digital artery, not previously described in literature.

Abstract

The design and structure of the palmar vascular arches and their variations constitute some of the most intriguing and difficult areas of anatomy. Additionally, cardiac revascularisation is now being accomplished using radial artery harvesting, which necessitates collateral circulation in the hand through the palmar arches. In this case report, we outline a unique pattern of the superficial palmar arch (SPA) and deep palmar arch (DPA) in terms of their formation and branching pattern. The first and second dorsal metacarpal arteries (DMAs) emerged from the radial artery. Both the first and second DMAs participate in the formation of SPA and DPA, respectively. Additionally, there was an anastomosis between the third common digital artery (CDA) and the proper digital artery, which has not yet been documented in any literature, and the third CDA was derived from the DPA. Understanding the variations in the arteries of the hand is becoming increasingly crucial for surgeons due to recent advancements in microsurgical techniques for vascular repair.

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