Evaluation of vascular and neural anatomy of the hand in adult cadavers

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the vascular and neural anatomy of the hand in adult cadavers and to determine the normal anatomical structure and variations of these structures. Material and Methods: Twenty hands of adult cadavers were examined by the dissection method. After the superficial palmar arch (SPA), the ulnar nerve (UN), median nerve (MN), and deep palmar arch (DPA) were identified, their anatomical structures and variations were evaluated. Then, they were classified according to the number of branches they give off and the course of these branches. Results: When the number of the common palmar digital arteries emerging from the SPA was examined, four branches were observed to emerge from the arch in 80%, and five branches in 20%. When the innervation of the MN and UN was evaluated, 3.5 + 1.5 fingers innervation was observed in 90%, 3 + 1.5 fingers innervation and 3 + 2 fingers innervation were observed in 5% of the samples. When the DPA samples were examined, four metacarpal palmar arteries were observed to emerge from the arch in all of the samples. According to the number of branches they gave off and the course of these branches, the SPA was gathered under seven groups, the nerves were gathered under four groups, and the DPA was gathered under three groups. Discussion and Conclusion: We believe that the data obtained in our study will be used, especially in anatomy education and will guide neurologists, surgeons, orthopedists, radiologists, and anatomists in their studies, diagnosis, and treatments.