Applied anatomy of radial midforearm flap pedicled with intermuscular branch of radial artery / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To provide anatomic basis for transposition of vascularized radial midforearm flap. Methods On 40 adult cadaveric upper limber specimens injected with red dye, the origin, course, branchs, diameters and anastomosis of intermuscular branch of radial artery and its cutaneous branch were observed. Results Originating from radial artery, intermuscular branch of radial artery descended along periosteum closely between pronator teres and supinator, the main stem was (4.8?1.0) cm in length and (1.2?0.2) mm in diameter. After its periosteal branches were sent off to distribute over middle and inferior shaft of radius, its eutaneous branch perforated from intermuscle and deep fascia and anastomosed with some other cutaneous branches in the forearm. Perforating point of the cutaneous branch was located(11.1?1.3) cm beneath laleral epicondyle of humerus, its diameter was about(0.6?0.1)mm. Conclusion Radial midforrarm flap pedicled with intermuscular branch of radial artery can be transferred to repair soft tissue defect of elbow, forearm or hand.