Clinical Anatomical Study On The Dorsal Metacarpal Flap With Cutaneous Branches Of Dorsal Metacarpal Artery

Objective: To provide anatomical basis for the application of the dorsal metacarpal flap with cutaneous branches of the dorsal metacarpal arteries, We investigate the origin,couse,branch, external diameter, distribution and anastomosis of the dorsal metacarpa artery and its cutaneous branches.Methods: The origin,course,branch,external diameter and distrab- ution of the dorsal metacarpa artery and its cutaneous branches and course relationship of the dorsal metacarpa artery and extensor tendon were observed on 20 adult cadaver specimens by operating microscope.Result:There were 4 the dorsal metacarpal arteries. The 1st dorsal metacarpal artery were almost ramified from radial artery and then ramify dorsoulnaris artery of thumb and dorsoradialis of index finger. The 1 st dorsal metacarpal artery continue as dorsoradialis of index finger. The outside diameter in originating point is 0.68mm ± 0.12mm, the outside diameter in termination is 0.42mm ±0.10mm and the average length is 53.22mm±5.20mm.Proximal perforating branch ramify ascending branch and descending branch. Descending branch is dorsal the metalcarpal artery. Metacar- pal artery ramify 3 branches .one communicating branch and 2 digital dorsal branches. The communicating branch communicate with common palmar digital artery or proper palmar digitalaartery. The dorsal digital arteries communicate with dorsal branches of proper palmar digital artery. The ascending branch communicates with dorsal carpal rete. The dorsal metacarpal artery communicates with palmar artery at the origin, base of metacarpal bones ,neck of metacarpal bones. The outside diameter in originating...