Micro-anatomical Study Of The Thenar Flap With The Superficial Palmar Branch Of The Radials Artery Pedicle

Objective:To study the microsurgery anatomical basis of the thenar flap with the superficial palmar branch of the radials artery pedicle and provide method for repairing ventral soft tissue defect of the finger.Methods:Twenty flesh abandoned hands were selected to dissect radial arteries above the distal wrist strip 10cm and perfuse with red 1atex, accompanying vein and cephalic vein perfuse with blue 1atex.The origins,distributions and anastomosis of the blood vessels and nerves were observed under theoperative microscope. Of all the hands,five hands perfuse with ink at the beginning of the superficial palmar branch of the radials artery, measure the amplitude of skin.Results:Superficial palmar branch of radial artery presented in all specimens.Of all the specimens,16 cases (account 80%) start at the level of the radial styloid process,4cases (account 20%) start near the level of the radial styloid process. The average distance from their starting point to the radial styloid process is (5.02±1.12) mm. The average distance from their starting point to tubercle of scaphoid bone is (25.70±9.80) mm. The diameter of their starting point was about (1.40±0.22) mm,the length (2.0±0.5) cm. The area of the flaps was about 2cm×3cm～4cm×5cm, venous return through two routes,the nerve of the flap include palmaris mediani nerve.Conclusions:The beginning and calibre of the superficial palmar branch of the radials artery can be applied in free transplantation for repairing ventral defect of the finger.