Anomalous patterns of formation and distribution of the brachial plexus in Nigerians and the implication for brachial plexus block

Abstract

block Background: Structural variations in the patterns of formation and distribution of the brachial plexus have drawn attentions both in anatomy and anaesthesia.

Method: An observational study.

Results: The brachial plexus was carefully inspected in both the right and left arms in 90 Nigerian cadavers, comprising of 74 males and 16 females. Four anomalous patterns of formation and distribution of the plexus were observed in 65(72%) of the subjects. These include an additional 4th trunk formed by C5 in 20(22.2%) and the anticlockwise displacement of the cords with respect to the axillary artery in 12(13.3%) cases; such patterns had hitherto not been reported.

Conclusion: These findings have important clinical implications for brachial plexus block.

Key words: Brachial plexus, anomalous patterns, brachial plexus

Nig. J. of Surgical Research Vol.4(3-4) 2002: 103-106