Abstract

Introduction Morphological variations in the branching pattern of the axillary artery are of immense clinical importance and should be borne in mind prior to any axillary exploration. This study aims at emphasizing the anatomical and clinical details of one such rare variation of the axillary artery. Methods Fifty cadaveric specimens of axilla were studied thoroughly to identify a rare, undocumented anomalous duplication of axial artery of upper limb. Results This anomalous artery originated from the third part of the axillary artery and coursed through the brachium and ante-brachium to terminate in an incomplete superficial palmar arch and a digital branch to the middle finger. The anomalous artery had varying relations with the surrounding structures and gave numerous muscular and cutaneous branches en-route. Conclusion Precise anatomical description of such variant branches can prove to be a boon for surgeons and radiologists performing different procedures in the axillary region. Procedures like brachial plexus blockade, radical axillary lymph node clearance and arterial stump based flap reconstruction have gained popularity in recent times and can be performed without causing unwanted complications by gaining thorough knowledge of axillary neurovascular anomalies.