The vascular anatomy of the abductor digiti minimi and the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscles.
OBJECTIVE
The abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and the flexor digiti minimi (FDM) brevis muscles could be used as flaps with their low functional morbidity, especially in severe crushed injuries of the hand. The vascular anatomy of both of the muscles were investigated to classify the muscles according to the Mathes-Nahai classification.


METHODS
Nine cadavers embalmed with formaline were dissected under loupe magnification (x4) from the wrist proximally to the proximal phalanx of the small finger distally, delineating the branches of the ulnar artery along the ADM and FDM muscles.


RESULTS
The dissections and the microangiography of the muscles revealed 1 major and 2 minor pedicles. Both of the muscles could be classified as type II muscles according to the Mathes-Nahai classification.


CONCLUSIONS
The vascular pattern of the ADM muscle has been described previously, this study explored the vascular anatomy of the FDM muscle. The information regarding the vascular supplies of these muscles could be of help to the clinician when manipulating the muscles. The FDM muscle could be a suitable alternative for the ADM muscle in opponensplasty. When the pedicles are preserved the muscles could be used--based proximally or distally.
Uysal
Ahmet Cağri
AC
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Doruk Sitesi No: 13, Cayyolu 16530 Ankara, Turkey.
Alagöz
Murat Sahin
MS
Tüccar
Eray
E
Sensöz
Omer
O
Tekdemir
Ibrahim
I
D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply*