Anatomical basis for a fasciocutaneous flap from hypothenar eminence of the hand

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on eighteen cadaver hands from the Anatomy Department, Alexandria University, after the injection of the brachial artery with red latex to explore the vascular and neural anatomy of the hypothenar eminence. It was found that the proximal part of the ulnar aspect of the hypothenar eminence supplied by branches from the proximal deep branch of the ulnar artery. Also, it was found that the part of the ulnar aspect of the hypothenar eminence, located over the abductor and flexor digiti minimi muscles, had a constant vascular and neural supply from the ulnar palmar digital artery of the little finger and the dorsal or palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve. This fasciocutaneous area provides a new and feasible donor site for free or pedicled island skin flap to repair palmar skin defects of the fingers