ABSTRACT
The effect of an extended flexor carpi radialis approach on the blood supply of the radius was examined in six (3 paired) fresh frozen cadaver limbs after injection with India ink and clearing using a modified Spalteholz technique. An extended flexor carpi radialis approach to the distal radius was made in the left limb in each of the three-paired limbs. The right limb served as a nonoperative control. Following perfusion of the arterial vasculature of each limb with India ink, serial transverse sections were cut and the intraosseous blood supply evaluated using a modified Spalteholz technique. Both controls and surgical specimens demonstrated complete cortical penetration from endosteal vessels in the proximal and midsections of the radius. In the distal radius, surgical specimens demonstrated reduced perfusion volarly, however there continued to be perfusion of ink through intact dorsal and ulnar metaphyseal perforating arteries. Persistent vascular perfusion to the distal radius remains through intact endosteal vessels and metaphyseal perforators of extensive surgical soft-tissue stripping.
