Muscular branches from the ulnar artery are the basis for a pedicled partial flexor digitorum superficialis muscle flap

Abstract

The feasibility of a pedicled flexor digitorum superficialis muscle flap was studied in 10 fresh cadavers. The number, length and distance from the flexion wrist crease of muscular branches from the ulnar artery in the distal 10 cm of the forearm were recorded. The mean number of muscular branches was 2.7 (range 1–4). The mean distance of the most distal branch was 35 mm (range 26–40) from the proximal wrist flexion crease. Its mean length was 20 mm (range 16–26). A partial muscle flap was raised on the most distal branch and transposed over the median nerve in the distal forearm. Dissection and transposition of this flap were feasible in all specimens. The reliable pattern of muscular branches to the flexor digitorum superficialis allows the elevation of a pedicled partial muscle flap that can cover the median nerve in the distal forearm. Level of evidence: V