Posterior Circumflex Humeral Vein

vena circumflexa humeri posterior

The posterior circumflex humeral vein accompanies the posterior circumflex humeral artery through the quadrilateral space, draining the posterior shoulder and proximal upper arm into the axillary vein. It is the venous companion to the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery.

Region: Upper Arm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The posterior circumflex humeral vein traverses the quadrilateral space alongside the axillary nerve, where venous compression may contribute to quadrilateral space syndrome. In posterior shoulder approaches, venous bleeding from this vessel requires control. The vein accompanies the posterior circumflex humeral artery, which provides the main blood supply to the humeral head via its ascending branch.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Quadrilateral Space Venous Compression

Posterior circumflex humeral vein compression in the quadrilateral space contributing to the vascular component of quadrilateral space syndrome, producing posterior shoulder pain and teres minor denervation with overhead activities.