Brachial plexus variants: an anatomic study

Abstract

The brachial plexus is a frequent site of traumatic, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Anatomic variants are known to occur in up to 48% of cases, depending on the population being studied and imaging technique. Our objective was to describe the main anatomic variants in our specimens and to compare these with other populations. Ten side-matched anatomic specimens of unknown age and gender were preserved in formol. These specimens were dissected from the nerve roots at the cervical spine level to the axillary region, identifying each root, trunk and fascicle. In all specimens studied, the brachial plexus was of a classic type, originating from the fifth cervical to first thoracic roots. Anatomic variants described in the literature were reviewed. No anatomic variants were found in the present specimens. In conclusion, anatomic variants of the brachial plexus in our population seem to be rare; however, larger samples need to be studied before these results can be generalized to our population.