Abstract:

Objective　To provide anatomical basis for using the first toe dorsi-artery free skin flap to reconstruct tissue defects of hand in clinic.　Methods　Using the 10 embalmed foot specimens with perfusion of red latex, 20 corrosive vascular cast of foot were used for investigation of the origin, distribution, caliber of the dorsal digital artery of the first toe. The innervations and venous drainage of the area supplied the artery were explored.    Results　The diameter of the first dorsal artery of the first toe was the (0.8± 0.2) mm. Three patterns of the artery can be observed. In pattern I, the artery was given off from the form first dorsal metatarsal artery. Which could be observed in 20 cases, accounting for 67%; In pattern II, the artery and the lateral metatarsal artery of the first toe were simultaneously given off from the first dorsal metatarsal artery, which could be observed in 7 cases, accounting for 23%; In pattern III, the artery was given off from the lateral metatarsal artery or absent, which could be observed in 3 cases, accounting for 10%.    Conclusion    The first toe dorsi-arterical is large in diameter, consistent in origin, distribution, innervation. The free flap based on has strong anatomical basis.

Key words: The first toe, Flap, Dorsal digital arteries, Free grafting