Abstract:

Objective　To provide anatomic basis for the first dorsoradial metacarpal  island flap.　Methods　The origin, diameter, length and anastomosis of the cutaneous branches from superficial radial artery were explored and observed . Arteriography was used in one side of a fresh adult hand specimen to observe the artery.　Results　A large cutaneous branch originated from the superficial radial artery  beneath the insertion of the abducter pollicis longus in 39 sides of fixed adult hand specimens,and originated from the radial artery in one side. This large cutaneous branch was located on the radial side of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon with a straight distance of 2mm.There were rich anastomoses between the large cutaneous branch and the palmar digital artery at metacarpophalangeal joint.　Conclusions　Taken as an axis artery, the large cutaneous branch from the superficial radial artery can be used to supply an island flap for soft tissue defect in hand .

Key words: First dorsoradial metacatpal artery, Surgical flaps, Anatomy, Reginal