The two ulnar recurrent arteries arise from the proximal ulnar artery and ascend to contribute to the elbow periarticular anastomosis. The posterior ulnar recurrent accompanies the ulnar nerve behind the medial epicondyle. This relationship makes the posterior ulnar recurrent vulnerable in medial epicondyle ORIF. The elbow anastomotic network allows collateral circulation to maintain forearm perfusion when the brachial artery is occluded proximal to the elbow.
| Origin | Ulnar artery just distal to its origin from the brachial artery |
|---|---|
| Course | Anterior branch ascends anterior to the medial epicondyle; posterior branch passes behind the medial epicondyle alongside the ulnar nerve |
| Branches |
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The periarticular elbow anastomosis (involving both radial recurrent, ulnar recurrent anterior and posterior, and interosseous recurrent arteries) is clinically important in assessing the adequacy of collateral flow before brachial artery sacrifice or ligation.
Ulnar recurrent arteries contributing to periarticular anastomosis maintaining forearm perfusion when the brachial artery is compromised proximal to their origin.
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