Arterial Vascularization of the Fingers: Anatomy and Clinical Applications in Reconstructive Surgery

Abstract

Several authors have reported variations in the size of the proper palmar and dorsal arteries of each digit of the hand, which could affect the success of a reconstructive hand surgery, especially regarding the use of flaps. The aim of the present study is to perform a qualitative comparison of the size of these arteries in each finger. In order to do so, six hands from cryopreserved fresh cadavers were injected with latex. The fingers were prepared using the tissue-clearing technique by Spalteholz and a variation of it with glycerine.

The results show a predominance of the proper digital palmar artery in the ulnar side of the index and middle fingers, as well as in the radial side of the small finger. The only proper dorsal digital arteries that were visible were those of the thumb and of the radial side of the index finger. Despite the consistency of the pattern described, anatomic variations can occur in any digit, which force the surgeon to explore the patient through the modified Allen test and Doppler-ultrasound before any surgical intervention.

Keywords

hand - fingers - cadaver - hand injury - reconstructive surgery

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