Anatomical study of the communicating branches of cords of the brachial plexus and their clinical implications

The anatomy of the brachial plexus can be confusing, especially because of frequent variations in length and caliber of each of its components. Variant nerves with an abnormal origin, course, and distribution are usually more prone to accidental injuries and entrapment neuropathies. The communicating branches between the medial and lateral cord were found most frequently in this study.

The authors divided the communicating branches into five types. Injury to these communicating branches may lead to paresis of the biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis muscles, and sensory anesthesia on the lateral aspect of the forearm, in addition to other motor and sensory dysfunctions of the median nerve. The authors found the communicating branch more frequently on the right side.

These anatomical data on the communicating branches are helpful in explaining unusual clinical signs and permitting correct interpretation of clinical neurophysiology > from Song et al.; Clinical Anatomy 27 (2014) 631–636. All rights reserved to Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Visit the Pubmed summary for more information or your article access, or watch an informative video on the brachial plexus below: