The Anatomical Basis of the Vascularized Pronator Quadratus Pedicled Bone Graft

Abstract

The vascular supply of the pronator quadratus was studied in 25 cadaveric dissections following coloured latex injections. This showed that the main blood supply of the pronator quadratus came from the anterior interosseous artery. There was, however, a rich anastomosis between the branches of the anterior interosseous artery and those of the radial and ulnar arteries. It was possible to raise a corticocancellous bone graft from the anterior surface of the radial styloid on a pedicle of the lower fibres of the pronator quadratus muscle. This muscle pedicle had a constant branch of the anterior interosseous artery which vascularized the bone graft. Such a vascularized pedicled bone graft may be useful in the treatment of non-union of the scaphoid and Kienböck’s disease.