Superior Ulnar Collateral Artery

arteria collateralis ulnaris superior

The superior ulnar collateral artery arises from the brachial artery in the upper arm and descends with the ulnar nerve through the medial arm, passing posterior to the medial epicondyle to anastomose with the posterior ulnar recurrent artery at the elbow. It is the primary blood supply to the ulnar nerve in the arm and provides nutrient vessels to the nerve throughout its course in the medial arm.

Region: Upper Arm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The superior ulnar collateral artery is the vascular companion of the ulnar nerve and its preservation is important during ulnar nerve transposition surgery. When the ulnar nerve is transposed anteriorly from the cubital tunnel to a subcutaneous or submuscular position, the superior ulnar collateral artery must be included in the transposition or the nerve mobilised without stripping its blood supply. Excessive devascularisation of the nerve during transposition contributes to post-operative ulnar nerve fibrosis and failed transposition outcomes.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Ulnar Nerve Devascularisation in Anterior Transposition

Ulnar nerve anterior transposition that strips the superior ulnar collateral artery from the nerve segment proximal to the cubital tunnel devascularises the transposed nerve, contributing to intraneural fibrosis and failed transposition; preserving the artery within the nerve's mesoneurium during mobilisation maintains intraneural blood flow throughout the transposed segment.