Abstract:

        Objective: To investigate anatomic characteristics of the posterior elbow vascular network and its clinical discussion to the blood supply based flaps of the posterior elbow. Methods: Six fresh specimens and two injected upper limb were studied. Observations were emphasized on the posterior elbow vascular network and their connections with the blood supply based flaps of the posterior elbow. Results: The posterior elbow vascular network was abundant and formed by multiple source vessels, which were identified to the medial and the lateral vascular network of the posterior elbow. The diameter of the vascular network was 0.3~0.9 mm. Conclusions: According to the posterior elbow vascular network, different based flaps without the main vessels could be designed.

Key words: elbow region, vascular network, fascial flap, perioseum flap, blood supply