Abstract:

Objective　To explore anatomic basis of the thenar flap pedicled with the superficial palmar branch of the radials artery, for repairing ventral soft tissue defect of the finger.    Methods　Twenty fresh hand specimens were selected in this study. Red 1atex was perfused into radia1 arteries after the dissecting of the arteries 10cm above the dista1 wrist line, as well, blue latex into the accompanying veins and cephalic veins. The origins, distributions and anastomosis of the vessels and nerves in the thenar eminence area were observed under operation microscope. Five hands were perfused with ink at the beginning of the superficial palmar branch of the radials artery for measuring the ink extension areas.   Results　The origin diameter of the superficial palmar branch of the radials artery was about （1.40±0.22）mm, and the length （2.0±0.5）cm．The area of the flaps was about 2cm×3cm～4cm×5cm. The venous return of flaps passed through two routes, and the innervations of the flap mainly from ramus cutaneous volaris of mediani nerve.   Conclusions　The origin and courses of the superficial palmar branch of the radials artery is constant, which can be applied in the free grafting for repairing ventral defect of the finger.

Key words: Thenareminence!Surgery flap!Superficial palmar branch of the radials artery!Microdissection!Free graftin