Anatomy study and clinical application of proximal ulnar artery perforator flap / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To provide anatomical information and clinical application of flaps based on the proximal ulnar artery perforators.Methods Ten fresh cadavers who underwent injected with artery imaging technology and dissected with layer by layer;Eighteen patients who sought surgical treatment with proximal ulnar artery perforator flap for soft tissue defects of the finger and dorsum wrist at our hospital between October 2011 and November 2012 were included in this study.Results The diameter and superficial length of the main perforator respectively were 0.5-0.9 mm and 33.0-47.0 mm in our dissection.There were 5-9 perforators given from the ulnar artery to supply skin over the medial side of the forearm.All of the 18 flaps survived after surgeries.The flap size ranged from 3.0 cm × 2.5 cm to 10.0 cm × 5.5 cm.All of the transplanted flaps presented favourable contours and good functions at 6 to 12 months' followed-up.Conclusion Proximal ulnar arter perforator flap has favourable appearance,constant vascular pedicle,reliable blood supply,and large diameter.The free transplantation of this flap offers a satisfactory alternative for repairing the small and medium-sized area of soft tissue defects of forearm and hand.