Applied anatomy of the design of the dorsal metacarpal flap with cutaneous branches of dorsal metacarpal artery

Objective To explore the anatomical basis of the design of the dorsal metacarpal flap with cutaneous branches of dorsal metacarpal artery. Methods Data of anatomy was collected from 10 sides adult specimens of hand with arterial red latex. The courser of the 2nd and the 3rd dorsal metacarpal arteries, the origin, courser, diameter and anastomosis style of the cutaneous branhes were observed to design the dorsal metacarpal flap with cutaneous branches of dorsal metacarpal artery. Results The 2nd and the 3rd dorsal metacarpal artery liesin constant position, and the orgin of cutaneous branches mainly concentrated in the distal 1/3 of dorsal metacarpal artery. The arteries whose diameter largcr than 0.2 mm account for 15% and those smaller than 0.2 mm auount for 85%. and the length of visible to the naked eye is more than 20 mm. There are one to there communicating branches in the fingerweb, and the diameter of one of them is more than 0.3 mm, and the length which can be free is more than 10 mm. Conclusion The skin defects of proximal and middle segment of the dorsal of fingers can be repaired with the cutaneous branch of the dorsal metacarpal artery flaps by made antegrade or retrograde flaps. The skin defects of proximal and middle segment of the palmar portion of fingers can be used as communicating branches in the fingerweb. It is suitable for flap area smaller than 20 mm × 40 mm.