Anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the axillary artery are common and typically include the lateral thoracic, subscapular, and the posterior circumflex humeral (PCHA) arteries. Previous investigations of single specimen dissections demonstrate numerous variations to axillary artery branching, but the frequency of these occurrences is unclear. This study quantifies the frequency of variant branching of the lateral thoracic, subscapular, and posterior circumflex humeral arteries, how it they relate to the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. Axillae of 83 cadavers were dissected to allow examination of the axillary artery and its branches. Data were collected observing the branching pattern of the lateral thoracic, subscapular, and posterior circumflex humeral arteries, as well as those branches spatial relationship to the two terminal branches of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. Some of the more common variations included the thoracodorsal artery arising from the lateral thoracic artery (LTA) (7.2%) and the subscapular artery (SSA) arising from the LTA (5.4%). The SSA also produced the LTA (4.2%) and the PCHA (12%). The PCHA also originated from the deep brachial artery (8.4%) and traversed the triangular interval to supply the deltoid muscle. These findings are relevant to both the anatomical and clinical fields as provide evidence as to the frequency of variant axillary artery branching and the potential for neurovascular elements to exist in a location other than their classical anatomical description.

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Our results suggest that in an equally massive male and female, the female will place greater mechanical demands on the gluteus medius, due to decreased efficiency as well as a relatively smaller insertion area.

Using the lateral border of the sixth thoracic vertebra as a landmark, which can be viewed under fluoroscopy during the procedure, physicians can triangulate the distance to the RSPV and determine the approximate position of the RPN. Furthermore, physicians can perform a preoperative echocardiogram to determine the size of the LA to assist in determining the position of the RPN with the hopes of avoiding injury to the RPN.

Introduction Reports from the current literature show a lack of detail with depictions of the genicular arteries (GA). The intricate anatomy and infrequency of operating in the posterior knee may lead to surgeons being unfamiliar with the anatomy. The goal of this cadaveric study was to quantitatively map the arteries and create a caution zone that can be utilized when preparing and performing surgical procedures involving the knee. Materials and methods The left knees of 46 cadavers were used. The distance of the GAs were from the joint line (JL) (+, superior to JL; −, inferior to JL) was measured in two locations: popliteal artery (PA) branch point and medial/lateral knee. The angle the artery traveled between these two points in the posterior knee was measured. A caution map was created. Results The superolateral GA branched from PA at +47.3 mm and traveled superiorly at 57.7° to +52.2 mm at the lateral knee. The superomedial GA branched from PA at +55.2 mm and traveled superiorly at 66.8° to +57.3 mm at the medial knee. The inferolateral GA branched from PA at −0.6 mm. It traveled superiorly at 74.1° or inferiorly at 62.1° to −1.0 mm at the lateral knee. The inferomedial GA branched from the PA at +9.9 mm. It traveled inferiorly at 21.2° to −33 mm at the medial knee. Conclusion The GAs have a predictable pattern of location in the knee. There is a mismatch between medical textbooks and reality regarding arterial depictions. Knowledge regarding where the arteries are located may help reduce vascular complications in patients in the future.

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Anatomical variation of the lateral nasal wall, including the pathway from the frontal, ethmoidal, and maxillary sinuses may affect the communication between the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity. The middle meatus and hiatus semilunaris are areas where variations can occur which predispose patients to recurring sinusitis. Endoscopy allows for visualization of the entire nasal cavity, for both diagnostic and therapeutic uses. The purpose of this study was to provide an accurate characterization of the middle meatus and hiatus semilunaris for the purposes of endoscopic procedures. Ninety seven cadaveric lateral nasal walls were observed. The middle meatus was measured at three distinct points. Cranial length was also recorded. A 3D digitizer was used to record spatial relationships for the openings of the paranasal sinuses and the morphology of the hiatus semilunaris. The average widths for the middle meatus were 1.69-mm anteriorly, 2.83 mm at the transition angle, and 4.74-mm posteriorly. The posterior width was significantly larger than either of the two other measurements. The length of the hiatus semilunaris was found to be shorter on both left-sides and in females. The hiatus semilunaris was categorized into five types according to the varying morphologies. Given that the middle meatus was significantly wider posteriorly, our findings support the recommendation that entering the middle meatus posteriorly may allow an endoscopic surgeon easier access to the structures of the lateral nasal wall. Knowing the discrepancy of hiatus semilunaris lengths between right and left sides and males versus females may guide advancement of endoscopic instruments into the nasal cavity. Describing the five distinct types of the hiatus semilunaris allows the distinction of normal variation in this anatomic space versus pathologic condition.