A descriptive study on formation and branching of brachial plexus in adult human cadavers of West Bengal

Variation in anatomy of brachial plexus is important for surgeons working in the upper limb area. It is equally important for anaesthetists performing brachial plexus block as well as neurologists assessing neuronal pathology. The present study was conducted to find the anatomical variations in formation and branching of brachial plexus in adult human cadavers of West Bengal. A total of 54 upper limbs in 27 cadavers were included in this study and were assessed for its course from its formation in cervical region to its termination into branches in the upper extremity. Four plexus were prefixed in origin. Middle and lower trunk were fused in one limb. Lateral cord variations included absence of musculocutaneous nerve in three limbs and extra lateral root of median nerve in one case. Posterior cord variation included two thoracodorsal nerves in two cases. Communicating branch between musculocutaneous nerve was found in three limbs and between radial and ulnar nerve in one limb. In one case, high division of radial nerve was seen. The present study indicated that there are variations in anatomy of brachial plexus and awareness of its pattern is important for those dealing with procedures involving brachial plexus.