ABSTRACT
Introduction: The superficial veins of upper limbs are seldom talked about. They are always avoided
quoting them to be variable in anatomy. Other than the cephalic and basilic veins,
no other superficial vein has caught the eyes of anatomists and other health professionals
significantly. This article tries to explain the importance of a superficial vein
that closely traces the radial vessels and explains its possible use in microvascular
reconstruction. Materials and Methods: The forelimbs of 26 upper limbs of fresh frozen cadavers were dissected out. The
anatomy of the superficial vein that follows the radial vessels was traced out from
wrist to cubital fossa. Their relation to the deep venous system and cephalic veins
was followed and documented. Results: All the 26 upper limbs showed the existence of the superficial vein that follows
the radial vessels. The study also revealed the existence of venous perforators which
are in turn the communication channels between the deep and superficial venous systems.
Conclusion: The existence of the surface vein can logically hold an explanation for flap failure
or success when one vein anastomosis is contemplated for radial forearm-free tissue
transfers.
KEY WORDS
Radial forearm flap - radial vessels - superficial vein
