[Anatomy study on micro transverse flap pedicled with superfical palmar branch of radial artery from palmar wrist].
OBJECTIVE
To study the anatomical basis of micro transverse flap pedicled with the superfical palmar branch of radial artery from the palmar wrist for using this free flap to repair soft tissue defect of the finger.


METHODS
Thirty-eight fresh upper limb specimens (22 males and 16 females; aged 26-72 years with an average of 36 years; at left and right sides in 19 limbs respectively) were dissected and observed under operating microscope. Two specimens were made into casting mould of artery with bones, and 2 specimens were injected with red emulsion in radial artery. Thirty-four specimens were injected with 1% gentian violet solution in the superfical palmar branch of the radial artery. A transverse oval flap in the palmar wrist was designed, the axis of the flap was the distal palmar crease. The origin, distribution, and anastomosis of the superfical palmar branch of the radial artery were observed.


RESULTS
The superficial palmar branch of the radial artery was constantly existed, it usually arises from the main trunk of the radial artery, 1.09-3.60 cm to proximal styloid process of radius. There were about 2-5 branches between the origin and the tubercle of scaphoid bone. The origin diameter was 1.00-3.00 mm, and the distal diameter at the styloid process of radius was 1.00-2.90 mm. The venous return of flap passed through 2 routes, and the innervations of the flap mainly from the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. The area of the flap was 4 cm x 2 cm-6 cm x 2 cm.


CONCLUSIONS
The origin and courses of the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery is constant, and its diameter is similar to that of the digital artery. A transverse oval flap pedicled with the superfical palmar branch of radial artery in the palmar wrist can be designed to repair defects of the finger.
Department of Upper Limber Surgery, Beijing Shunyi Hospital of China Medical University, Beijing, 101300, P.R. China.
Min
M
Zhao
Dehu
D
Tian
Xinzhong
X
Shao
Dacun
D
Li
Jianfeng
J
Li
Jingda
J
Liu
Liang
L
Zhao
Hailei
H
Li
Xiaolei
X
Wang
Wentong
W
Zhang
Jinying
J
Wu
Zuoxiong
Z
Yuan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries / Q000294:innervation; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation; D014953:Wrist / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation