ABSTRACT
Historical descriptions of the ulnar artery as the dominant vessel to the hand appear to be inconsistent with clinical experience. Anatomical dissections and radionucleotide flow studies of the ulnar and radial arteries at the wrist were performed. These failed to demonstrate any difference between the anatomical dimensions of these vessels, but the radial artery was shown to have a statistically greater blood flow compared to the ulnar artery. This finding suggests that, contrary to popular opinion, the radial artery is the dominant vessel to the hand.
Subject(s)
Hand/blood supply , Radial Artery/diagnostic imaging , Ulnar Artery/diagnostic imaging , Blood Flow Velocity/physiology , Humans , Radionuclide Imaging , Reference Values , Regional Blood Flow/physiologyABSTRACT
The forearm is a convenient donor site for local flap cover in upper limb defects. Island flaps based on either of the major forearm arteries share properties suiting them for reconstruction from elbow to fingertips. The ulnar artery flap has some advantages over the radial flap, especially the easy management, low morbidity and better aesthetics of the donor site. Illustrative cases of proximally and distally based island ulnar flaps are presented.
Subject(s)
Forearm/surgery , Hand/surgery , Surgical Flaps , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Forearm/blood supply , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
The case is presented of a young man who suffered a traumatic hind-quarter amputation and penile infarction. One stage penile reconstruction was performed using a free ulnar forearm flap.
Subject(s)
Penis/surgery , Surgical Flaps , Accidents , Adult , Forearm , Hemipelvectomy , Humans , Infarction/etiology , Male , Methods , Penis/blood supply , Prostheses and ImplantsABSTRACT
The ulnar artery forearm flap is a reliable, versatile and convenient fasciocutaneous flap. Based on the ulnar artery distal to the common interosseous branch it may include muscle (FCU) tendon (PL) and bone (ulna). The arterial and venous anatomy allow a flow-through capability and a reversal of flow which permits its use as a distally pedicled island flap. Many of its properties are shared with the radial flap, but the ulnar flap has further advantages. The donor site is virtually hairless, easily closed even when bone is taken, and is less obvious as it lies on the proximal ulnar aspect of the forearm. The ulnar artery is not reconstituted and in 11 cases there has been no clinical evidence of any circulatory, sensory or motor impairment of the hand. The flap is especially useful in intra-oral reconstruction and has been valuable in the lower leg where it may restore deficient distal circulation.
