The versatile metacarpal and reverse metacarpal artery flaps in hand surgery

Vascular anatomy of dorsal metacarpal arteries was investigated in fresh cadaver dissections and by injection of methylene blue. Origin and termination of the vessels were studied, as well as their connection to the palmar vasculature. Vascular territories and elevation of flaps based on these vessels are also discussed. The second dorsal metacarpal artery was found to be the most consistent. This vessel has a large distal connection to the palmar vessels which allows both proximal and reverse elevation. Representative cases and surgical technique are described.