Abstract

Background: The coracobrachialis muscle morphologically represents the adductor group of muscles in the arm but such function became insignificant in man during the process of evolution. It is more important morphologically than functionally & it is known for its morphological variations.

Aims & Objective: Variations in the structures of the human body are of importance to clinicians while performing any surgery or procedure or in the diagnosis of certain clinical conditions. Our aim is to report the occurrence of variation in insertion of coracobrachialis muscle & to observe the relationship of its abnormal slip with the median nerve & brachial artery.

Material and Methods: Present study was conducted on embalmed cadavers at various medical colleges in Gujarat. The coracobrachialis muscle was dissected in both the upper extremities & observed for any abnormal slip or for any variation in insertion.

Results: A total of 120 upper limbs of 60 cadavers were dissected. Variation at insertion was found in four cadavers as an abnormal slip to medial epicondyle of humerus & to the deep fascia on the medial aspect of arm [6.66 % , n = 60].

Conclusion: Anomalous insertion of coracobrachialis muscle may lead to compression of median nerve & brachial artery. The knowledge of such variations are of importance for surgeons, orthopaedicians, neurologists, radiologists & physiotherapists while dealing with injuries or operations around elbow joint. This muscle can also be used in muscle transplants.

Key words: Brachial Artery; Coracobrachialis; Insertion; Median Nerve