Multiple anomalies of the brachial plexus: a case report

During routine dissection of a 55-year old male cadaver, we observed multiple anomalies in the brachial plexus. The subclavian artery entered scalenus anterior muscle while the roots C8-T1 of the brachial plexus passed behind scalenus medius. The anterior divisions of upper and middle trunks united to form the lateral cord lateral to the axillary artery. The anterior division of the lower trunk ran as the medial cord medial to the axillary artery. Suprascapular nerve did not arise from the superior trunk; it arose from the root of C5. Superior subscapular, thoracodorsal and inferior subscapular nerves arose from the posterior division of the upper trunk. Afterwards, the posterior cord continued as axillary and radial nerves. The musculocutaneous and ulnar nerves had their normal courses. Neuroanatomy; 2007; 6: 21–23.