Profunda Brachii Artery

arteria profunda brachii

The profunda brachii (deep brachial artery) is the largest branch of the brachial artery, accompanying the radial nerve in the radial groove on the posterior humerus to supply the triceps and posterior arm. Its course with the radial nerve means that both structures are injured together in humeral shaft fractures at the radial groove level — producing the combined wrist drop (radial nerve palsy) and haematoma formation typical of mid-shaft humeral fractures.

Region: Upper Arm

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Brachial artery high in the arm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Radial nerve palsy in humeral shaft fractures occurs in approximately 10 percent of cases, predominantly at the radial groove level. Most are neuropraxic injuries that recover spontaneously over 3 to 6 months; EMG at 6 weeks helps distinguish complete axonotmesis (requiring surgical exploration) from neurapraxia. The profunda brachii provides the vascular basis for the lateral arm free flap used in head and neck reconstruction.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Radial Nerve Palsy in Humeral Fracture

Combined radial nerve and profunda brachii disruption in radial groove fractures producing wrist drop that recovers spontaneously in 90 percent of cases without surgical intervention.