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Updated: May 7, 2026

Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
[Superficial ulnar artery while harvesting a radial forearm flap]
P Moullot1, A-M Gay1, T Guidicelli1
1Service de chirurgie de la main, hôpital de la Conception, 147, boulevard Baille, 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France.
Abstract:
Forearm vascular anatomical variations are common and may have complications during flaps harvesting. This article describes the presence of an ulnar superficial artery, revealed while harvesting a radial forearm flap. The prevalence of this anatomical variation is between 0.7 and 9.4%. It may have important consequences while covering loss of substance with a radial forearm flap. Unknown, there is a risk of vascular injury which may lead to distal ischemia of the upper limb. Preoperative diagnosis can anticipate this risk and harvest a fascio-cutaneous flap centered on a perforator of this artery.
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