Background and objective

In our daily practice we find anatomical variations that will have a diagnostic and therapeutic repercussion.

With this article we emphasize the importance of vascular anatomical variations presenting an anatomical case of a persistent median artery which alters the vascularization of the fingers, and that is frequently associated with the presence of a bifid median nerve. Following this finding, a literature review and a clinical study were conducted to highlight the association of this malformation with carpal tunnel syndrome (STC)

Methods

Our study is divided into two parts: anatomical and clinical.

The anatomical study of a forearm showed us as a persistent median palmar artery which is responsible for vascularization of the 1st and 2nd fingers, associated with a bifid median nerve.

Then, we conducted a literature review and a prospective study in order to know the percentage of medium arteries found in the STC surgery, chosen in a random way based on their incorporation to the waiting list of our hospital for a 4 months period.

Results

A total of 128 STC patients were operated, finding a persistent median artery in 3 patients, which corresponds to 2.34% of the total valued.

Discussion

The percentage of presentation of persistent medium artery in our study is coincident with the various studies reviewed in adult patients. We agree on the importance of the knowledge of anatomical variations by themselves and their implication in the symptomatology of STC. It is also important to keep in mind the existence of these anatomical variations when faced with a traumatic injury or when we dissect a flap.

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