We present a case with an atypical variation of the ulnar artery discovered while examining a cadaver in our routine Gross Anatomy lab dissection. A superficial ulnar artery was found in a 55-year-old male cadaver originating directly from the brachial artery. This is a rare variation where the route of the ulnar artery runs superficially to the flexor compartment in the forearm. Based on previous cadaver studies, the incidence of such variation in the adult population appears to be approximately 3.75% 1. Deviations in the ulnar artery can lead to a potential risk of injury to patients during surgery 2. The superficial ulnar artery can mistakenly result in the administration of medicines into the artery as opposed to the median cubital vein during the injection. Hemorrhaging as well as other potential traumas can occur. We will also discuss the potential complications that could arise from this variant and the clinical recommendations for treatment.
1. Fadel RA, Amonoo-Kuofi HS. The superficial ulnar artery: Development and surgical significance. Clin Anat. 1996;9(2):128-132. Accessed Jan 27, 2022. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2353(1996)9:2lt;128::AID-CA5gt;3.0.CO;2-D.
2. Rodríguez-Niedenführ M, Vazquez T, Parkin IG, Sanudo J. Arterial patterns of the human upper limb: Update of anatomical variations and embryological development. European Journal of anatomy, ISSN 1136-4890, Vol 7, Nº 1, 2003 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Supplement 1 ), pags 21-28. 2003;7. Accessed Jan 26, 2022.
The brachial artery is seen bifurcating into the radial and atypical superficial ulnar artery; Atypical ulnar artery is seen on the medial side of the right forearm running superficial to the forearm flexor compartment originating directly from the brachial artery
