A RARE VARIATION IN THE FORMATION AND COURSE OF MEDIAN NERVE IN THE ARM

Abstract

Median nerve is formed in the axilla by the union of two roots, medial and lateral from the medial lateral cords of brachial plexus respectively. Variations in the formation, its course, and its relation with axillary and brachial arteries are not uncommon. Here, a variant formation and course of median nerve in relation to brachial artery was noted during a routine dissection of the left upper-limb of a male cadaver. We found the formation of median nerve lying medial to third part of            axillary artery and its course in the arm lying partly anterior and partly posterior to brachial artery. The abnormality reported here might result in neurovascular compression symptoms of              upper-limb. Knowledge of such anomalies is important in the diagnosis of unexplained radiculopathy as well as during nerve blocks and certain surgical procedures around the proximal arm.