The applied anatomy and design of the first metacarpal dorsal artery skin flap

Objective To study the first metacarpal dorsal artery anatomy, and explore the flap based on the branch chain of the first metacarpal dorsal artery. To provide anatomical basis for clinical application of the flap. Methods The origin, courses and distribution of the branch chain of the first metacarpal dorsal artery from 8 fresh hand specimens perfused by red latex were explored from January, 2015 to December, 2016. Results There was a dorsal artery network in the dorsal side of the first metacarpal. The radial and ulnar dorsal artery of the first metacarpal originated from the radial artery and along the first metacarpal lateral margin to go down. The initial diam-eter of the radial dorsal artery was (0.82±0.06) mm. The initial diameter of the ulnar dorsal artery was (0.74±0.05) mm. And anastomosed with the dorsal branches of the thumb inherent arteries. The both inherent arteries of thumb give off dorsal branches count (2.62±0.34). The initial diameter of proximal dorsal branch was (0.32±0.03) mm. The initial diameter of distal dorsal branch was (0.24±0.08) mm. Conclusion The radial and ulnar dorsal vascular chain of the first metacarpal were constant. The anastomosed branches with the dorsal branches of the thumb inherent arteries were abundant. The free flap or retrograde flap based on the vsscular chain has reliable blood supply. And without de-stroyed the main artery of thumb. Key words: Thumb; Thumb inherent artery; First metacarpal dorsal artery; Surgical flaps; Applied anatomy