The anatomical study of superior ulnar collateral artery perforator flap

Objective To introduce the anatomical study of the medial arm flap based on superior ulnar collateral artery perforator,in order to simplify the conventional operating method.Methods Microsurgical anatomical study was carried out on 14 fresh upper limbs of human cadavers.The study was focused on the origin,numbers,diameter,courses and vascular anastomosis of perforator arteries originated from superior ulnar collateral artery.The nonconventional flap was designed according to the distal perforating vessels and the rotational point,vessel axis,donor area and incision level are involved.Results The superior ulnar collateral artery originates from the brachial artery or deep brachial artery at(16.6±1.9)cm proximal to internal condyle of humerus.The diameter of it is(1.6±0.2)mm at the original site.In 93% cadavers,about 2-4 fasciocutaneous perforators could be found and distal perforators are relatively constant.The original diameter of the distal perforator artery is(0.9±0.3)mm and its original point is(3.3±1.2)cm above the internal condyle of humerus.The fasciocutaneous perforators which originated from inferior ulnar collateral artery join in the chain-linked longitudinal or network vascular plexus,which come from superior ulnar collateral artery.The perforating veins at the pedicle of flap is the most important factor in system of venous drainage.Conclusions The study provides the anatomic data on the origin,numbers,diameter,courses and vascular anastomosis of perforator arteries originated from the superior ulnar collateral artery,and provide the anatomic evidence for the superior ulnar collateral artery perforator flap.