ABSTRACT
The gross structure of the digital artery distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint
is significantly different from its proximal portion. Previous research in this laboratory
has revealed that over half of all fingers exhibit marked tortuosity of this artery
in juxtaposition to the distal interphalangeal joint. Any structure with a large amount
of bending will have the properties of a spring. An understanding of these properties
may help in creating tension-free anastomoses during finger tip replantation. The
elastic strength and energy storage capacities of the distal digital artery were measured
in 26 cadaver arteries.
