A prefix brachial plexus with two trunks and one anterior cord

Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2020;79(2):402-406. doi: 10.5603/FM.a2019.0081. Epub 2019 Jul 19.

Abstract

The brachial plexus presents a great variability in formation, division and branching pattern. Its variants are of immense importance during axillary and arm surgery and nerve blockade. The current case highlights a unilateral atypical formation of brachial plexus, the so called prefix, in which the C4 root contributed a large branch to the superior trunk and further anastomosis with the inferior trunk. Thus, the prefix or high brachial plexus consisted of a superior and inferior trunk and one anterior cord. Coexisting neural and arterial variations are also discussed in relation to the data literature.

Keywords: brachial plexus; cords; nerve roots; prefix; surgery; trunks; variation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brachial Plexus / abnormalities*
  • Cadaver
  • Female
  • Humans