Cutaneous vasculature of the forearm

Five fresh human cadavers were injected with lead oxide, gelatin, and water. Nine forearms were dissected and an overall map of the cutaneous vasculature by source vessel was constructed. The average number of arterial perforators per source vessel was calculated. The forearm was then divided into three regions, and the density of perforators per region was calculated and compared. The overall number of arterial perforators decreases from proximal to distal in the forearm, but the overall density of perforators 0.5 mm or larger remains uniform. It was observed that the distal third of the forearm has a rich supply of smaller caliber arterial perforators compared with the proximal two-thirds of the forearm. The angiographic studies demonstrate a series of arterial perforators arising from the radial and ulnar arteries. The perforators in turn are linked longitudinally with other perforators from the same source vessel and transversely with the other major vessel. An understanding of this pattern of arterial supply of the forearm integument is helpful for the design of pedicled skin flaps and perforator flaps in the forearm.