A rare case of unilateral variations of forearm arteries: anatomy, embryology and clinical implications.

This study documents the existence and topographic anatomy of a rare case of variant forearm arteries found in the left upper limb of a 68-year-old male cadaver. The arteries of the arm followed typical courses, but both the radial and ulnar arteries in the forearm followed a superficial course. The common interosseous artery and recurrent ulnar arteries branched from the radial, not the ulnar, artery. The radial artery was larger than the ulnar artery and was the major source of blood supply to the forearm. Clinical implications for single superficial forearm arteries are reviewed. A person with both superficial radial and superficial ulnar arteries would be at a substantially increased risk of injury or iatrogenic effects that could compromise blood supply to the hand. This study will enhance clinician's awareness of potential arterial variations, so they can provide adequate assessment, diagnosis and treatment of upper limb lesions.