Unique Variation of Brachial Plexus with Unilateral Rudimentary Musculocutaneous Nerve and Contralateral Communication Between Musculocutaneous and Median Nerve

Abstract

Background: Brachial plexus variations are not uncommon. Intercordal communications and communications between different branches have been reported in the literature. The median nerve and musculocutaneous nerve had shown maximum variations compared to other branches. The communications between different branches of brachial plexus is not uncommon. Martin Gruber anastomosis, Berretini anastomosis and Cannieu and Riché anastomosis are few examples of some clinically significant communications. Present case report is about rudimentary right musculocutaneous nerve and variant nerve supply of anterior compartment muscles of arm on right side while presence of musculocutaneous nerve and intercommunication between musculocutaneous and median nerve on left side. Orthopedic, general surgeons and neurosurgeons must consider the possibility of such variations in the surgery of arm and elbow. Cutting of such communicating branch can lead to altered mobility of limb. The knowledge of such variations is clinically significant in neurosurgeries like surgery for Neurofibromatosis, in peripheral nerve injuries and neurotization procedures.