A rare constellation of multiple upper limb anomalies

Abstract

We describe an unusual combination of unilateral upper limb variations, including an axillary arch, absence of a “typical” musculocutaneous nerve, direct lateral cord innervation of the muscles usually supplied by the musculocutaneous nerve, variant superficial brachial artery, a high anomalous origin of the common interosseous artery and a superficial ulnar artery noted during routine cadaver dissection. The embryological basis, recent molecular insights concerning such a constellation of anomalies and its clinical relevance are discussed.