Study of anatomical bases of a latero-dorsal flap of the forearm preserving the radial artery

The authors studied the dorso-lateral cutaneous branches of the radial artery in 26 forearms of fresh cadavers following injection of latex. Three toeight branches were identified, with frequent anastomoses. Extensive venous drainage was also observed. One to three cutaneous branches arose within a 3-cm region close to the radial styloid precess. This provides a basis for an island flap supplied by these branches and thus, it is possible to mantain the radial artery intact