Applied anatomy on transposition of triangular fibrocartilage complex of the vascularized fifth metacarpal bone periosteal flap with the dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery

Objective: To provide a new therapeutic method for the transposition of triangular fibrocartilage complex( TFCC). Methods: Observing the course, branches and distribution of the dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery by anatomising the adult cadaver specimens perfused with red latex at 40 sides artery. Results: Arising from the ulnar artery in the pisiform bone proximate 13.9 cm , the dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery was divided into the ascending branch and the descending branch. Among them,The descending branch was the continue of the dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery. Most of it (70%) went straightly down to reach the fifth metacarpal bone head along the fifth metacarpal bone path and anastomosed with the ulnaris branch of little finger artery on the boundary. The minority (30%) went down to near the pisiform bone and changed into slender, anastomosed with the ulnaris branch of little finger artery. When Going along with the fifth metacarpal bone head, the descending branch or little finger artery ulnaris sent off the 1～3 pieces periosteum branch with diameter 1.7±0.4 mm,which distributed in the periosteal on the back of fifth metacarpal bone.Conclusion: It is an easy practical method for repairing TFCC to achieve the transposition of fifth metacarpal bone periosteal flap pedicled with dorsal carpal branch of descending branch of ulnar artery.