Prevalence of non-functional superficial palmar arch in South Indian population

Background: Superficial palmar arch is an anastomosis between the ulnar artery and radial artery in the palmar region of the hand, in which the contribution is predominantly by the ulnar artery. The functionality of superficial palmar arch is highly important in procedures involving radial artery since the advent of reports of pain, ischemia and gangrene following the procedures. There is paucity in the literature regarding the prevalence of a non-functional superficial palmar arch in the South Indian population. Hence, the present study was attempted to determine the prevalence of superficial palmar arch in South Indian population. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 400 adult subjects was carried out with the approval from Institute committees. Modified Allen’s test was done to ascertain the functionality of superficial palmar arch which was performed in subjects after obtaining informed consent. Results and Conclusion: A prevalence of less than 1% was observed in the population which is relatively low compared to previous studies in different population. The possible risk factors for the non-functional superficial palmar arch need to be ascertained by a study with a larger sample size for possible subgroup analysis. Though Modified Allen’s test was used to screen the patients, a confirmatory test is mandatory for patients before undergoing radial artery procedures.