title: Direct and reverse dorsal metacarpal flaps.
abstract: We reviewed the anatomy of vascular systems used for both direct and reverse dorsal metacarpal flaps. The three-dimensional arrangement of the dorsal arterial network of the hand was examined. The collateral and terminal branches of this dorsal arterial network are described as a potential source of blood supply for composite flaps. Three types of dorsal-palmar anastomotic network were identified at the first and second metacarpal spaces, in the web space area. They could provide blood supply to reverse metacarpal flaps. Results of a series of 12 cases of reverse metacarpal flaps are given.
authors.affiliation: Service de Chirurgie D, Hôpital Jeanne D'Arc, Toul, France.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dautel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Merle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000098:blood supply; D003097:Collateral Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*