Variations of nerve roots of the brachial plexus.

OUTCOME

Aberrations observed during surgical treatments inspired us to initiate the investigation of variations in the formation of brachial plexus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

100 brachial plexuses in 50 cadavers were examined for the incidence of neural variations. We examined the involvement of the C4 root and eventually of that of Th2 root, as well as various deviations in the exit of individual roots and their branches from the backbone. We have focused also on their paths, anastomoses, on their thickness or on their eventual absence. In addition to the anatomical complexity and variability, the specifics of motor innervation related to diagnostics are also emphasized. The attention is paid to the mechanisms and morphological reasons of the occurrence of specific types of injuries.

RESULTS

Prefixed type was present in 24 cases (48 %), postfixed type was present just in one case. Aberrations have been observed in 14 cases (28 %). They occurred more frequently on the left side (9 cases) followed by two-sided aberrations (4 cases).

CONCLUSION

This study enabled to identify and describe exceptional and hitherto undescribed anatomical variations in the formation of nerve roots of brachial plexus.