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European Journal of Plastic Surgery

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23-06-2022 | Original Paper

Ulnar and radial arteries perforator-based flaps: a cadaveric study and scoping review with narrative synthesis

Authors: Usama Farghaly Omar, Jingwen Ng, Wei Ping Sim, Vaikunthan Rajaratnam

Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Forearm perforator flaps are fascio-cutaneous flaps that are widely used to cover defects of the hand and forearm. It is critical to include a perforator in these flaps while harvesting them; hence, an understanding of the anatomy is the key. This study aims to map the location of the cutaneous perforators that arise from the radial and ulnar arteries in the cadaveric forearm.

Methods

Eleven fresh frozen healthy Caucasian cadaveric forearms purposed for medical research (8 left, 3 right) of mean age 57.1 were used. The radial and ulnar arteries were identified proximally, cannulated, and clamped. An Indian ink, gelatin, and purified water solution were instilled under hand pressure. Specimens were then dissected, and radial and ulnar arteries and their perforators were identified. The location of the perforators was measured relative to the radial and ulnar styloid.

Results

A total of 95 perforators were identified (54 radial, 41 ulnar). The average number of radial and ulnar artery perforators is 5 ± 2 and 4 ± 2 respectively. The most distal radial and ulnar perforator arteries are located at 30 mm (13–56) and 25 mm (8–42) respectively.

Conclusions

There are more cutaneous perforators arising from the radial than the ulnar arteries. It may be safe to harvest the flaps based on their distance from the distal radius/ulna without having to intra-operatively identify the perforators and avoid the risk of their injury.

Level of evidence

Not ratable.

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Title: Ulnar and radial arteries perforator-based flaps: a cadaveric study and scoping review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Usama Farghaly Omar
Jingwen Ng
Wei Ping Sim
Vaikunthan Rajaratnam
Publication date: 23-06-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 0930-343X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-0130
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-022-01966-x

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Ulnar and radial arteries perforator-based flaps: a cadaveric study and scoping review with narrative synthesis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

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