Axillary arch and its implications in axillary dissection--review.

Axillary arch is an anomalous muscular slip of latissimus dorsi muscle occasionally encountered in axillary dissection. A systematic review of medical literature published between 1966 to 1999 was performed regarding its incidence, clinical features and management. Its presence in axillary dissection should be recognised to avoid confusion in staging of lymph nodes and to prevent injury to axillary vessels and brachial plexus.