Unusual neural arborization in Axilla-Case Report

Corresponding author: Dr. Swati Gandhi Assistant Professor ,Department of Anatomy ,Dr. R.M.L Hospital,PGIMER,New Delhi, India.E-mail: [email protected] This article may be cited as : Gandhi S, Arora J, Mehta V ,Suri K. Unusual neural arborization in Axilla-Case Report .Int J Com Health and Med Res 2015;1(1):26-9 Article Recieved 1-11-15 Accepted On: 14-12-2015 NTRODUCTION Knowledge of neural variations in the region of axilla is of great clinical importance, especially in mastectomies and various axillary surgeries. The intercostobrachial nerve is a lateral cutaneous branch of the second intercostal nerve and supplies the medial side of the arm and floor of the axilla. Due to its communication with a branch of the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm, it also supplies the medial and posterior aspects of the arm. 1 The few variations regarding the branching I The present paper attempts to highlight a rare case of neural arborization in axilla. Anatomical knowledge of variations in branching pattern of intercostobrachial nerve and medial cord of brachial plexus is essential for surgeons while conducting complicate dissection during mastectomy and other procedures involving the axilla. Intercostobrachial nerve is a vital structure which is sometimes damaged during axillary node dissection during mastectomy. This leads to an unfortunate sequelae of pain and paraesthesia. Intercostobrachial nerve is often also sacrificed during mastectomy. Hence awareness of variations of intercostobrachial nerve are of utmost importance to the present day anatomists and surgeons. The present study reports a unique unusual communication between the medial cord of brachial plexus and the intercostobrachial nerve associated with another communication between intercostobrachial nerve and third intercostal nerve. Knowledge of such rare variations is imperative for surgeons to avoid and hence minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury to medial cord, intercostobrachial nerve and third intercostal nerve.