Applied anatomy of ulnar mesio-forearm flap pedicled with intermuscular branch of ulnar artery

Objective: To provide anatomic basis for transposition of vascularized ulnar mesio-forearm flap. Methods: The number, diameter, course, branches and distribution of intermuscular branches of ulnar artery were observed and measured on 14 adult cadaveric upper limb specimens perfused with red latex and 6 upper limb vascular castings. Results: Below the medial epicondyle point (9.2±0.2) cm,intermuscular branches of ulnar artery originated from ulnar artery and coursed between flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor carpi ulnaris and perforated from intermuscle and deep fascia and anastomosed with some other cutaneous branches in the forearm with arch form. The main stem was about (1.9±0.2) cm in length and (0.8±0.2) mm in diameter. Conclusions: Ulnar mesio-forearm flap pedicled with intermuscular branch of ulnar artery can be transferred to repair soft tissue defect of forearm and hand precisely