title: Vascularization of the trapeziometacarpal joint and its clinical importance: anatomical study.
abstract: Few studies have investigated the vascular anatomy of the trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint of the thumb. The aim of our study was to describe the supplying arteries of the trapezium and the TM joint since this knowledge is essential for trapezium osteotomies. Ten anatomical dissections in ten different cadavers using two different techniques (four macerations, six classic dissections) were performed. The arteries of the TM joint originated from the radial artery and the princeps pollicis artery. Four important branches were identified. The arteries formed a vascular network around the joint. The dorsoradial surface of the joint contained the richest arterial network. These findings present an important consideration when performing an osteotomy of the trapezium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Upper Limb Unit, AZ Sint-Jan AV Brugge-Oostende, Campus Brugge, Ruddershove 10, 8000 Brugge, Belgium. jean.goubau@azbrugge.be
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Goubau
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Benis
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van Hoonacker
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Berghs
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kerckhove
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Patonay
mesh_terms: D001158:Arteries; D002102:Cadaver; D052737:Carpometacarpal Joints / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013933:Thumb; D051222:Trapezium Bone / Q000098:blood supply*