title: Anatomy and physiology of perforator flaps of the upper limb.
abstract: Perforator flaps are an excellent reconstructive option for a functional upper limb reconstruction. This article explores the physiology and general principles of perforator flaps and their indications for use in reconstruction of the upper extremity. Workhorse perforator flaps of the upper extremity, such as the radial artery perforator, ulnar artery perforator, lateral arm perforator, posterior interosseous artery, first dorsal metacarpal artery perforator and perforator-based propeller flaps, are discussed in greater detail.
authors.affiliation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dalhousie University, 4443-1796 Summer Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A7, Canada.
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Appleton
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery, Anatomy and Neurobiology, Dalhousie University, 4443-1796 Summer Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3A7, Canada. Electronic address: sfmorris@dal.ca.
authors.forename: Steven F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery
keywords: First dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap; Lateral arm flap; Perforator-based propeller flap; Posterior interosseous artery flap; Radial artery perforator flap; Ulnar artery perforator flap; Upper extremity