Topographic anatomy of the brachial plexus and possibilities with endoscopic approach (cadaveric study)
Relevance The brachial plexus is a complex anatomical structure the passes through three narrow anatomical spaces including the interscalene space, the space between the first rib and the clavicle (thoracic aperture), the space between the anterior chest wall and the pectoralis minor muscle. Compression of the brachial plexus and the vascular band can occur at the sites. Endoscopic approach to the brachial plexus is a promising surgical trend to allow neurolysis and decompression of the plexus with minimal trauma and blood loss and a good cosmetic result. The purpose was to explore topographic anatomy of the brachial plexus and surrounding structures and determine the possibility of endoscopic approach to the brachial plexus. Material and methods The shoulder and neck were dissected in 5 fresh cadavers. The study was performed at Trauma and Orthopaedics department of the Russian Peoples Friendship University and Department of pathological anatomy at the Buyanov’s Moscow State City Hospital between 2021 and 2022. Results The pectoralis minor muscle was detached from the coracoid process to endoscopically approach to the subclavian part of plexus. The lateral aspect of the subclavian muscle was detached from the clavicle to endoscopically approach to the thoracic aperture. Portals were produced at the supraclavicular fossa to endoscopically approach to the supraclavicular part of the plexus in the interscalene space considering the topographic anatomy of the jugularis external vein and accessory veins. The mean distance from the coracoid tip to the penetration point of the musculo-cutaneous nerve to the conjoint tendon was 3 cm. The mean distance between the anterior chest wall and the clavicle (width of thoracic aperture) was 1.86 cm. The mean distance between the sternal end of the clavicle to the point of passage of the subclavian artery under the clavicle was 5.7 cm. The mean width of the interscalene space was 1.4 cm. Discussion Aspects of topographic anatomy of the brachial plexus were examined in cadaveric studies of Sidorovich R.R. (2011), Chembrovich V.V. (2019), Anokhina Z.A. (2021), but endoscopic approach to the brachial plexus and possibility with endoscopic surgery were not discussed in the studies. Foreign cadaveric studies of Akaslan I. (2021), Koyyalamudi V. (2021), Costabeber I. (2010), Akboru (2010) were performed to examine topographic anatomy of the brachial plexus. The only study reporting the possibility of endoscopic approach to the brachial plexus and endoscopic anatomy was performed by Lafosse T. (2015). Our cadaveric series reported the possibility of endoscopic approach to the brachial plexus at the three levels for the first time in Russian literature. Conclusion Topographic anatomy of the supraclavicular and infraclavicular portions of the brachial plexus was examined in our series. The study showed the possibility of endoscopic approach to the brachial plexus at the interscalene space, thoracic aperture and subclavian area.