Brachial Fascia

fascia brachii

The brachial fascia is the sleeve of deep fascia that wraps the arm between the shoulder and the elbow. It continues above with the deltoid, pectoral and axillary fasciae and below with the antebrachial fascia. Medial and lateral intermuscular septa pass from its deep surface to the humerus, splitting the arm into front and back compartments.

Anatomical Data

Boundaries & Contents

Location	Deep to the subcutaneous fat of the arm, surrounding the muscles from the axilla to the elbow.
Boundaries	Continuous above with the deltoid, pectoral and axillary fasciae Continuous below with the antebrachial fascia Attached at the elbow to the humeral epicondyles and the olecranon Medial and lateral intermuscular septa to the humerus

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Contains the arm muscles, separates the anterior and posterior compartments through its septa and provides attachment for muscle fibres.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The fascia is thin compared with the fascia lata, so compartment syndrome of the arm is uncommon, but it does occur after crush injury, humeral fractures and reperfusion. The basilic vein and the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm pierce it in the middle of the arm, a landmark used in venous access and nerve blocks. Fasciotomy of the arm is performed through medial and lateral incisions.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Arm Compartment Syndrome

Raised pressure within the fascial compartments of the arm, usually after crush, fracture or prolonged limb compression, causing severe pain on passive stretch and risking muscle and nerve death. Urgent fasciotomy is needed.

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