Superficial Arterial Variants of the Upper Limb: Clinical Implications of High-Origin Ulnar and Radial Arteries Detected by Ultrasound and Anatomy Study.

Background

Arterial variations in the upper limb, although infrequent, carry critical clinical implications. The presence of superficial ulnar and radial arteries, especially when originating from high levels, increases the risk of iatrogenic injury, misdiagnosis, and surgical complications. To confirm and describe, through ultrasound and anatomical dissection, the presence of a high-origin superficial ulnar artery and a superficial radial artery in a cadaver, highlighting their anatomical trajectory and clinical relevance.

Methods

A cross-sectional ultrasound and anatomical study was conducted on 150 upper limbs from fresh-frozen cadavers. High-frequency ultrasound was used to scan the vasculature from the axilla to the wrist. Subsequently, dissection was performed to confirm sonographic findings.

Results

One case (0.66%) of concurrent superficial ulnar artery and superficial radial artery was identified in the left arm of a 79-year-old male cadaver. The superficial ulnar artery originated from the axillary artery and coursed superficially along the forearm, anterior to the flexor muscles. The superficial radial artery emerged from the brachial artery and ran subcutaneously in the distal forearm. These arteries remained in close relation to key neural and venous structures, increasing their vulnerability to clinical error.

Conclusions

The identification of high-origin superficial arteries is essential for clinical practice. Ultrasound serves as a reliable, non-invasive method for detecting such variations preoperatively. Awareness of these anomalies can prevent inadvertent vascular injuries, improve diagnostic accuracy, and inform safer surgical and anesthetic approaches in upper limb interventions.