Anatomic study of nutrient vessels of cephalic vein and cutaneous nerve at radial margin of forearm

Objective:To provide the anatomic basis for designing compound flap of distally based pedicle with cephalic vein-cutaneous nerve at radial margin of forearm.Methods:The origins and branches of nutritional vessels of the lower 1/3 segment of the cephalic vein-lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve of forearm and its relationship with periosteum vessels of radius were observed on adult upper limb specimens perfused with red emulsion in artery.Results:The origins of nutrient vessel of the 1/3 inferior segment of the cephalic vein and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve was as follows:the cutaneous branches of radial artery,cutaneous branches of superficial palmar branch,cutaneous branches of malleolus radialis recurrent branch.Above mentioned perforating branches included fascia branches,cutaneous branches,nerve and vein nutrition branches.Those nutrient vessels originated longitudinal vessel chain of the lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm-cephalic vein,deep subcutaneous fascia and periosteum vessel network.Conclusion:The nutrient vessels of the cephalic vein of radial margin of forearm and cutaneous nerve have homology with the nutrient vessels of muscles,bone and skin.The compound flap of distally-based pedicled with the malleolus radialis recurrent branches with the rotation point at the wrist joint can be appiled to repair tissues defect of the hand distant parts.