Neglected Sprengel's deformity in an 80-year-old female cadaver: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sprengel's deformity is a congenital abnormality of the shoulder girdle. Because scapular retraction, such as the Green procedure, is usually performed during childhood to improve esthetics and shoulder function, Sprengel's deformity is rarely found in older patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We presented a unique case of a Japanese female cadaver with Sprengel's deformity at the age of 80 years. Anatomical dissection and radiological imaging revealed musculoskeletal anomalies associated with Sprengel's deformity, including Klippel-Feil syndrome, presence of an omovertebral bone, and absence of the trapezius muscle. In addition, bilateral cervical ribs were in contact with the brachial plexus. These anomalies may lead to numbness, pain, and limited range of motion of the neck and upper girdle with aging. CONCLUSIONS: Because most adult patients with Sprengel's deformity experience neck pain and limited movement of the shoulder, the presented case is a rare case of neglected Sprengel's deformity in an 80-year-old cadaver.

Variations of Ulnar Nerve in the Forearm and Hand: A Review of the Literature and Clinical Significance.

The ulnar nerve originates from the anterior division of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus which continues as the medial cord and gives off branches to the forearm and the hand with motor and sensory fibers. The objective of the current study is to assemble the recognized anatomical variations of the ulnar nerve (UN) and underline their clinical impact. A literature search was undertaken via PubMed database, using the term: "ulnar nerve AND variations." Classical anatomical textbooks were also used for the normal anatomy of the UN. A total of 23 articles met the inclusion criteria, 16 of which are included in this review. Fifty-four additional articles provided useful information according to the aim of this review. Of great interest is the communication between the UN and the radial nerve (RN) in the forearm, as well as the communication between the UN and the median nerve (MN) in both forearm and hand. Furthermore, variations of the UN were observed in the hand and the classification of the UN compression was also described according to the point of the neuropathy. These collecting data are categorized into five tables. Additional aberrations were also included in this review. According to literature, the UN is characterized by numerous variations of its course and branches. Therefore, good knowledge of the normal anatomy is essential. Moreover, the anomalies are of particular importance due to their significant clinical implications and should be taken into consideration by the surgeons during surgical procedures in this region.

Positional anomaly between the brachial plexus and the scalene muscles, concomitant with an anomalous path of the musculocutaneous nerve: case report and clinical implication / Anomalía posicional entre el plexo braquial y el músculo escaleno anterior, concomitante con un trayecto anómalo del nervio musculocutáneo: reporte de un caso e implicancia clínica

Anatomical variations of the scalene muscles are frequent, as are those of the brachial plexus and its terminal nerves. Nonetheless, these variations are reported separately in the literature. The aim of this work is to present a variation of scalene muscles, concomitant with an abnormal path of the musculocutaneous nerve. During a routine dissection of the cervical region, axilla and right anterior brachial region in an adult male cadaver, a supernumerary muscle fascicle was located in the anterior scalene muscle, altering the anatomical relations of C5 and C6 ventral branches of the brachial plexus. This variation was related to an anomalous path of the musculocutaneous nerve that did not cross the coracobrachialis muscle. It passed through the brachial canal along with the median nerve. It then sent off muscular branches to the anterior brachial region and likewise, communicating branches to the median nerve. The concomitant variations of the brachial plexus and scalene muscles they are not described frequently. Knowledge of these variations improves diagnosis, enhancing therapeutic and surgical approaches by reducing the possibility of iatrogenesis during cervical, axillary and brachial region interventions.

Las variaciones anatómicas de los músculos escalenos son frecuentes, así como también las del plexo braquial y sus nervios terminales. Sin embargo la literatura científica las presenta por separado. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar una variación de los músculos escalenos concomitante con un trayecto anómalo del nervio musculocutáneo. Disección de rutina de región cervical, axila y región braquial anterior derechas realizada en un cadáver adulto de sexo masculino. Se encontró un fascículo muscular supernumerario para el músculo escaleno anterior que alteraba las relaciones anatómicas de los ramos ventrales C5 y C6 del plexo braquial. Esta variación estaba acompañada por un trayecto anómalo del nervio musculocutáneo, el cual no atravesaba al músculo coracobraquial y transitaba por el conducto braquial acompañando al nervio mediano. Desde allí enviaba a la región braquial anterior ramos musculares y al nervio mediano ramos comunicantes. Las variaciones conjuntas del plexo braquial y los músculos escalenos no se presentan con frecuencia. Conocerlas enriquece la capacidad diagnóstica, terapéutica y quirúrgica. Reduciendo la posibilidad de iatrogenia al intervenir en las regiones cervical, axilar y braquial.

Anatomic Variation of the Phrenic Nerve and Brachial Plexus Encountered during 100 Supraclavicular Decompressions for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome with Associated Postoperative Neurologic Complications.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to characterize phrenic nerve and brachial plexus variation encountered during supraclavicular decompression for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and to identify associated postoperative neurologic complications. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review was performed to evaluate anatomic variation of the phrenic nerve and brachial plexus from November 2010 to July 2018. After initial characterization, the following two groups were identified: variant anatomy (VA) group and standard anatomy (SA) group. Complications were analyzed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In total, 105 patients were identified, and 100 patients met inclusion criteria. Any anatomic variation of the standard course or configuration of the phrenic nerve and/or brachial plexus was encountered in 47 (47%) patients. Phrenic nerve anatomic variations were identified in 28 (28%) patients. These included 9 duplicated nerves, 6 lateral accessory nerves, 8 medial displacement, and 5 lateral displacement. Brachial plexus anatomic variation was found in 34 (34%) patients. The most common variant configuration of a fused middle and inferior trunk was identified in 25 (25%) patients. Combined phrenic nerve and brachial plexus anatomic variation was demonstrated in 15 (15%) patients. The VA and SA groups consisted of 47 and 53 patients, respectively. Transient phrenic nerve injury with postoperative elevation of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm was documented in 3 (6.4%) patients in the VA group and 6 (11.3%) patients in the SA group (P = 0.49). Permanent phrenic nerve injury was identified in 1 (2.1%) patient in the VA group (P = 0.47) and none in the SA group. Transient brachial plexopathy was encountered in 1 (1.9%) patient in the SA group (P = 1.0) with full recovery to normal function. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic variability of the phrenic nerve and brachial plexus are encountered more frequently than previously reported. While the incidence of nerve injury is low, surgeons operating within the thoracic aperture should be familiar with variant anatomy to reduce postoperative complications.

A prefix brachial plexus with two trunks and one anterior cord.

The brachial plexus presents a great variability in formation, division and branching pattern. Its variants are of immense importance during axillary and arm surgery and nerve blockade. The current case highlights a unilateral atypical formation of brachial plexus, the so called prefix, in which the C4 root contributed a large branch to the superior trunk and further anastomosis with the inferior trunk. Thus, the prefix or high brachial plexus consisted of a superior and inferior trunk and one anterior cord. Coexisting neural and arterial variations are also discussed in relation to the data literature.

Bilateral anatomic variation in the relation of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus to the anterior scalene muscle.

The brachial plexus represents a field of many anatomical variations with impor- tant clinical implications, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of the thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The case described in this paper presented a novel bilateral variation in the relation of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus to the anterior scalene muscle. The ventral rami of the C5 and C6 spinal nerves perforated the anterior scalene muscle simultaneously through a common opening, and joined to form the upper trunk. Previous literature reports described variations of the brachial plexus and the scalene muscles, as well as the embryological basis for their presence. The case reported herein helps to improve the comprehension of the TOS, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutical approach to this syndrome.

Variations in brachial plexus with respect to concomitant accompanying aberrant arm arteries.

INTRODUCTION: Variations in the brachial plexus are the rule rather than the exception. This fact is of special interest for the anesthetist when planning axillary block of brachial plexus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 167 cadaver arms were evaluated for variations in brachial plexus, with focus on the cords of the plexus, the loop of the median nerve, and the course of the median, musculocutaneous, ulnar, axillary and radial nerves. In addition, concomitant arterial variations were recorded. RESULTS: In 167 arms, variations were detected in 60 cases (36%). With 46 arms (28%) most variations concern the median nerve, followed by 13 cases (8%) which involved the musculocutaneous nerve. Ulnar, axillary and radial nerve variations were rare, amounting to 1.2% for each nerve. In median nerve conditions with a shifted loop of median nerve (12%), a hidden position of the loop or a hidden course of the beginning median nerve (8%) and a doubled loop of median nerve (17%) were observed. In musculocutaneous nerve conditions with a non-perforated coracobrachialis (1.8%), a doubled origin of the nerve (1.2%) and a giving back of branches to the median nerve (1.8%) were noted. Variations in ulnar, axillary and radial nerves concerned lower than normal diameters. CONCLUSIONS: It must be stressed that cases which showed a hidden position or a doubled expression of the loop of the median nerve, a hidden course of its beginning and variable interconnections between musculocutaneous and median nerves are of special interest for anesthetists and surgeons. Hence, it is important to note that variations of arm arteries can be associated with brachial plexus variations. For example, a common trunk of axillary artery followed by a hidden loop and course of the median nerve may result in incomplete axillary block of brachial plexus.

Five Roots Pattern of Median Nerve Formation.

An unusual combination of median nerve's variations has been encountered in a male cadaver during routine educational dissection. In particular, the median nerve was formed by five roots; three roots originated from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus joined individually the median nerve's medial root. The latter (fourth) root was united with the lateral (fifth) root of the median nerve forming the median nerve distally in the upper arm and not the axilla as usually. In addition, the median nerve was situated medial to the brachial artery. We review comprehensively the relevant variants, their embryologic development and their potential clinical applications.

Anatomical variations in the brachial plexus roots: implications for diagnosis of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is the most common type of TOS. Typically it results from impingement of the neurovasculature as it passes between the anterior and middle scalene muscles; this classic anatomical relationship being the foundation of clinical diagnosis. Positional testing relies on vascular compromise occurring when the subclavian artery is compressed in this space. This study describes several anatomical variations observed in this relationship. Sixty-five cadavers (35m/30f) were assessed to determine the frequency and extent of brachial plexus branching variants. A total of thirty-one variations from "classic" anatomy were observed (47.7%). In two specimens (3.1%), the entire superior trunk coursed completely anterior to the anterior scalene in a position of relative vulnerability. In 27 instances, a portion of or the entire superior trunk pierced the anterior scalene muscle, and in two, the middle trunk also pierced the muscle belly. Interestingly, while two bilateral branching variations were observed, the majority occurred unilaterally, and almost exclusively on the left side. There were no sex differences in frequency. The high frequency of these variations and their potential to predispose patients to neurogenic TOS suggest that current diagnostic methods may be insufficient in clinical diagnosis. Due to lack of vascular compromise, patients with the piercing variant would not display positive signs on the traditional positional tests. The use of ultrasound to determine the route of the brachial plexus could determine whether this variation is present in patients who suffer from TOS symptoms but lack a diagnosis based on traditional positional testing.

A rare variant of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus

In the dissection of a 67-year-old Chinese male cadaver, a variant of the posterior cord was observed. The posterior cord was consisted of two parts. The upper posterior cord was the continuation of the posterior division of the upper trunk. It gave off the suprascapular nerve, the subscapular nerve, a communicating branch and then continued as the axillary nerve. The lower posterior cord was formed by the posterior divisions of the middle and lower trunks. After giving off the thoracodorsal nerve, the lower posterior cord fused with the communicating branch and continued as the radial nerve

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Neuralgia amiotrófica en relación con infección por el virus de la hepatitis E / Neuralgic amyotrophy associated to hepatitis E virus infection

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Bilateral communications between the median and musculocutanous nerves after piercing the last one the coracobrachialis muscle

In the dissection of a 79-year-old Chinese male cadaver, communications were established on both sides between the median and musculocutanous nerves. The musculocutaneous nerve (mcn) was the continuation of the lateral cord. After piercing the coracobrachialis muscle, the mcn gave rise to a communicating branch which directed downwards medially and ended in the median nerve (mn) at the level of upper arm. In the left arm, the mn was formed by three roots: one medial root from the medial cord and two lateral roots from the lateral cord

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Relevance of discrete traits in forensic anthropology: From the first cervical vertebra to the pelvic girdle.

In forensic anthropology, identification begins by determining the sex, age, ancestry and stature of the individuals. Asymptomatic variations present on the skeleton, known as discrete traits, can be useful to identify individuals, or at least contribute to complete their biological profile. We decided to focus our work on the upper part of the skeleton, from the first vertebra to the pelvic girdle, and we chose to present 8 discrete traits (spina bifida occulta, butterfly vertebra, supraclavicular nerve foramen, coracoclavicular joint, os acromiale, suprascapular foramen, manubrium foramen and pubic spine), because they show a frequency lower than 10%. We examined 502 anonymous CT scans from polytraumatized individuals, aged 15 to 65 years, in order to detect the selected discrete traits. Age and sex were known for each subject. Thin sections in the axial, coronal and sagittal planes and 3D volume rendering images were created and examined for the visualization of the selected discrete traits. Supraclavicular foramina were found only in males and only on the left clavicle. Coracoclavicular joints were observed only in males. The majority of individuals with a suprascapular foramen were older than 50 years of age. Pubic spines were observed mostly in females. Other traits did not present significant association with sex, age and laterality. No association between traits was highlighted. Better knowledge of human skeletal variations will help anthropologists come closer to a positive identification, especially if these variations are rare, therefore making them more discriminant.

Absence of musculocutaneous nerve associated with variations of distribution patterns of the median nerve / Ausencia del nervio musculocutáneo asociada con variaciones de los patrones de distribución del nervio mediano

Variations in the brachial plexus and the distribution patterns of its branches are not uncommon. A communicating branch, which is the most frequent variation, often arises from musculocutaneous nerve to median nerve. However, the branches arising from lateral cord of the brachial plexus and median nerve instead of musculocutaneous nerve are very rare. Detailed description of the abnormalities is important for surgical procedures. Our case study reports the musculocutaneous nerve was absent, a branch from the medial cord innervated the coracobrachialis muscle and two branches from the median nerve innervated the biceps and brachialis muscles, respectively. Moreover, the median nerve gave off the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. This report provides evidence of such possible anatomical variations to surgeons, anesthetists and neurologists during clinical practice.

Las variaciones en el plexo braquial y los patrones de distribución de sus ramos no son infrecuentes. Un ramo comunicante, que es la variante más frecuente, a menudo surge desde el nervio musculocutáneo al nervio mediano. Sin embargo, los ramos que surgen del fascículo lateral del plexo braquial y nervio mediano en vez de nervio musculocutáneo son muy raros. La descripción detallada de las anomalías es importante para procedimientos quirúrgicos. En nuestro caso el nervio musculocutáneo estaba ausente, un ramo del fascículo medial inervó el músculo coracobraquial y dos ramos del nervio mediano inervaron los músculos bíceps y braquial, respectivamente. Por otra parte, el nervio mediano originó al nervio cutáneo antebraquial lateral. Este informe proporciona evidencia de algunas variaciones anatómicas útiles para cirujanos, anestesistas y neurólogos durante la práctica clínica.

Seventh cervical nerve perforating the middle scalene muscle: a possible clinical and surgical application

Introduction: In most of cases, the emergency of the nervous roots of the brachial plexus in the posterior cervical triangle occur between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. However, anatomic variations in the brachial plexus are not rare. Methods: In the laboratory of Human Anatomy of the "Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais" 106 cadavers were dissected. There were dissected the cervical region of all of the cadavers bilaterally. Results: In routinely dissection in the laboratory of human anatomy of the "Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais" we've found in the left cervical region of a male cadaver the ventral branch of the seventh cervical nerve (C7) perforating the substance of the middle scalene muscle. Conclusion: Professionals that work with this region on the practice must pay attention to this and other variations in the constitution of the brachial plexus in the clinic and surgical procedures to avoid complications.(AU)

Axillary arch and other neurovascular anomalies in a cadaver.

The co-existence of multiple variants in the axilla has been rarely documented. Hence, we report the multiple variations of axillary structures and axillary arch. During a dissection of axilla of adult male cadaver, following variations were encountered. a) One superficial and complete type of axillary arch on left axilla only. b) Venous chiasma between the basilic vein and brachial vein of both sides. c) Abnormal course of intercosto-brachial nerve on left side d) Presence of two medial cutaneous nerve of forearm and the absence of medial cutaneous nerve of arm on left side only. The presence of such variations should be kept in mind while performing various invasive and surgical techniques.

A systematic review of evaluation methods for neonatal brachial plexus palsy: a review.

OBJECT: Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) affects 0.4-2.6 newborns per 1000 live births in the US. Many infants recover spontaneously, but for those without spontaneous recovery, nerve and/or secondary musculoskeletal reconstruction can restore function to the affected arm. This condition not only manifests in a paretic/paralyzed arm, but also affects the overall health and psychosocial condition of the children and their parents. Currently, measurement instruments for NBPP focus primarily on physical ability, with limited information regarding the effect of the disablement on activities of daily living and the child's psychosocial well-being. It is also difficult to assess and compare overall treatment efficacy among medical (conservative) or surgical management strategies without consistent use of evaluation instruments. The purpose of this study is to review the reported measurement evaluation methods for NBPP in an attempt to provide recommendations for future measurement usage and development. METHODS: The authors systematically reviewed the literature published between January 1980 and February 2012 using multiple databases to search the keywords "brachial plexus" and "obstetric" or "pediatrics" or "neonatal" or "congenital." Original articles with primary patient outcomes were included in the data summary. Four types of evaluation methods (classification, diagnostics, physical assessment, and functional outcome) were distinguished among treatment management groups. Descriptive statistics and 1-way ANOVA were applied to compare the data summaries among specific groups. RESULTS: Of 2836 articles initially identified, 307 were included in the analysis, with 198 articles (9646 patients) reporting results after surgical treatment, 70 articles (4434 patients) reporting results after medical treatment, and 39 articles (4247 patients) reporting results after combined surgical and medical treatment. Among medical practitioners who treat NBPP, there was equivalence in usage of classification, diagnostic, and physical assessment tools (that focused on the Body Function and Structures measure of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health [ICF]). However, there was discordance in the functional outcome measures that focus on ICF levels of Activity and Participation. Of the 126 reported evaluation methods, only a few (the Active Movement Scale, Toronto Scale Score, Mallet Scale, Assisting Hand Assessment, and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument) are specifically validated for evaluating the NBPP population. CONCLUSIONS: In this review, the authors demonstrate disparities in the use of NBPP evaluation instruments in the current literature. Additionally, valid and reliable evaluation instruments specifically for the NBPP population are significantly lacking, manifesting in difficulties with evaluating the overall impact and effectiveness of clinical treatments in a consistent and comparative manner, extending across the various subspecialties that are involved in the treatment of patients with NBPP. The authors suggest that all ICF domains should be considered, and future efforts should include consideration of spontaneous (not practitioner-elicited) use of the affected arm in activities of daily living with attention to the psychosocial impact of the disablement.