Analysis of Anatomical Variations Reported from India: A Review of Case Reports and Cadaveric Studies

Anatomical variations are commonly encountered during clinical practice, imaging, and surgical procedures and may significantly influence diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. This review aimed to compile and analyze clinically relevant anatomical variations reported from India over a ten-year period. A structured literature search was conducted for studies published between 2012 and 2022 using electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE. Rayyan software was used for screening and selection. Only case reports and cadaveric studies conducted in India were included. Anatomical variations were categorized into head, neck and face (HNF), trunk, upper limb, and lower limb. A total of 172 articles were identified, of which 72 studies met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-nine distinct anatomical variations were documented. Of these, 27 were reported in the HNF region, 24 in the trunk, 16 in the upper limb, and 2 in the lower limb. Variations involving maxillofacial dentition and gastrointestinal organs were most frequently reported. Cadaveric dissection and radiological imaging were the predominant methods of identification. Anatomical variations reported from India span multiple body regions and have important clinical and surgical implications. Systematic documentation of region-specific variations can enhance diagnostic accuracy, surgical safety, and medical education, highlighting the need for an India-specific anatomical variation database.