Bifurcation of brachial artery into a common radial–interosseous trunk and superficial ulnar artery: a rare variation

Variations in the branching pattern of brachial artery and abnormal course of its branches are not uncommon. The present article describes a case of bifurcation of the brachial artery into a common radial–interosseous trunk and superficial ulnar artery. The embryological basis behind the present case report could be, the radial artery establishing a connection with the axis artery just below the level of origin of ulnar artery, the posterior interosseous artery arising from the axis artery distal to the origin of the radial artery. The part of axis artery between origin of ulnar and radial artery must have developed into the common radial–interosseous trunk. The part of axis artery between origin of radial and posterior interosseous arteries develops as the common interosseous artery. The superficial position of ulnar artery could enable the surgeons in raising a free ulnar forearm flap for head and neck reconstructive surgeries.