Clinical implications of a superficial ulnar artery: A case report and literature review.

The superficial ulnar artery (SUA) is a rare anatomical variation with significant clinical consequences when unrecognized, particularly in the context of trauma, free flap surgery and interventional procedures in the upper limb. This study presents a case report and literature view focusing on the clinical implications of a SUA. A literature search was conducted using Medline and Pubmed. All cadaveric and/or anatomical studies with no clinical correlation were excluded. 21 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for themes including diagnostic challenges and iatrogenic injury, as well as implications for free flap surgery. Additionally, we present a case report of a patient who sustained an injury to the ulnar and median nerves in the presence of a SUA. Knowledge of variations in the arterial axis of the upper limb is paramount, to avoid iatrogenic injury, particularly when exploring an exsanguinated forearm wound.