The persistent median artery: A case report of maintained perfusion to the hand after laceration to radial and ulnar arteries

Abstract

A 60-year-old male presented after a self-inflicted volar wrist laceration resulting in complete transection of his radial and ulnar arteries. Despite this, his hand remained well-perfused on physical examination. Intra-operatively, an intact persistent median artery (PMA) was discovered within the carpal tunnel. As a remnant of an embryonic structure, the PMA is an anatomic variant which can persist and contribute to the blood supply of the hand and even allow for adequate perfusion in the setting of concurrent radial and artery injury.