Anterior Circumflex Humeral Artery

arteria circumflexa humeri anterior

The anterior circumflex humeral artery is a branch of the axillary artery, usually arising opposite the posterior circumflex humeral artery. It winds anteriorly around the surgical neck of the humerus beneath the coracobrachialis and short head of biceps, sends a branch into the bicipital groove to supply the long head of biceps tendon and its synovial sheath, and anastomoses with the posterior circumflex humeral artery on the lateral aspect of the humerus.

Region: Shoulder

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The anterior circumflex humeral artery and its ascending branch in the bicipital groove (the arcuate artery) constitute the primary blood supply to the humeral head in most individuals, making this vessel critically important in shoulder trauma. In proximal humerus fractures, displacement of the surgical neck disrupts this artery, predisposing the humeral head to avascular necrosis. The vessel is identified and protected during anterior deltopectoral approaches to the shoulder and during hemiarthroplasty for fracture.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Humeral Head Avascular Necrosis

Disruption of the anterior circumflex humeral artery, particularly its ascending branch through the bicipital groove, in severely displaced proximal humerus fractures deprives the articular segment of its blood supply, causing humeral head collapse that may require hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder replacement.