Anatomical Variation of the Superficial Palmar Branch of the Radial Artery: A Cadaveric Case Report

Understanding anatomical variations in hand vasculature is critical for hand and vascular surgery. This case report describes rare unilateral variations in the course and branching of the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPRA) in the hand of a 100-year-old Caucasian female donor. The forearm, wrist, and hand were dissected bilaterally to demonstrate the musculature and neurovasculature. Two anatomical variations were observed in the right hand of the donor body. The first variant was the SPRA coursing superficial to the thenar muscles after emerging from the radial artery rather than piercing or passing deep to them. The second variant was the SPRA, giving rise to both the princeps pollicis and radial indicis arteries after contributing a communicating branch to the superficial palmar arch. Understanding variations in the origin, course, and branching of the SPRA may be important in reducing the risk of iatrogenic injuries during wrist and hand surgeries.