Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2013, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (6): 640-642.

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Applied anatomy of the ulnar artery perforator flap

SHEN Zhong-fei1,MEI Jin2,CHEN Jia-jun2,XU Da-chuan1   

  1. 1.Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University,Guangzhou 510515, China;2.Department of Anatomy, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou 325035, China
  • Received:2013-06-10 Online:2013-11-25 Published:2013-12-16

Abstract:

Objective To provide morphological data that enables safe elevation of the ulnar artery perforator flap. Methods  The anteromedial forearm perforators were studied in 25 fresh cadavers and 10 cast preparations. Cadavers were injected with lead oxide for three-dimensiona reconstruction. The origin, course, and distribution of the perforators in the anteromedial forearm region were comprehensively documented. Results There were 7.0±2.0 ulnar artery perforators in the anteromedial forearm. The average e xternal diameter was 0.6±0.2 mm. Each perforator supplied an average area of (26.0±7.0) cm2. Extensive anastomoses were found between the ulnar artery perforators and multiple adjacent source arteries. Conclusions The main advantages of the proximal ulnar artery perforator flap is that it is a thin flap which is ideal for upper extremity reconstruction, either as a proximally or distally based local perforator flap or as a free flap. The donor site is excellent and the vascular anatomy is very consistent.

Key words: Ulnar artery, Perforator flap, Clinical anatomy, Digital anatomy, Microsurgery

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