Summary
The pattern of the dorsal arterial supply of the thumb was studied by the dissection of 25 thumbs of fresh cadavers. A constant vascular axis was found, originating at the radial a. and communicating at the level of the middle third of the proximal phalanx with the arterial palmar circuit. The constant presence of this vascular axis and its connection with the palmar circuit permits the mobilisation of a dorsal metacarpal skin flap, with a distal pedicle and a reversed flow, that can be used for covering dorsal and palmar losses of substance in the thumb.
Résumé
La vascularisation artérielle dorsale du pouce a été étudiée sur 25 pouces de cadavres non embaumés. Les auteurs ont mise en évidence l'existence constante d'un axe vasculaire artériel en provenant de l'artère radiale et d'une anastomose avec le circuit artériel palmaire au niveau du tiers moyen de la phalange proximale. La constance de cet axe artériel et son anastomose avec le circuit palmaire permettent la mobilisation d'un lambeau cutané dorsal métacarpien à pédicule distal et à flux inversé. Ce lambeau permet la couverture de pertes de substance dorsales et palmaires du pouce.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brunelli F (1993) Le lambeau dorso-cubital du pouce. Ann Chir Main 12: 105–114
Brunelli F, Pegin Z, Cabral J (1991) Dorsal arterial supply to the thumb. Surg Radiol Anat 13: 240–242
Brunelli F, Mathoulin C (1991) Presentation d'un nouveau lambeau en îlot homodigital sensible à contre-courant. Ann Chir Main 10: 48–53
Cormack GC, Lamberty BGH (1986) The arterial anatomy of skin flaps. Churchill Livingstone, New York
Lai SC, Lin SD, Yang CL (1989) The reverse digital artery flap for fingertip reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg 22: 495–500
Salmon M (1988) Arteries of the skin. Churchill Livingstone, New York
Testut L, Jacobs O (1987) Trattato di anatomia topografica, vol 3. UTET, Firenze
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Moschella, F., Cordova, A., Pirrello, R. et al. Anatomic basis for the dorsal radial flap of the thumb: clinical applications. Surg Radiol Anat 18, 179–181 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02346124
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02346124