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10:36
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.
Annales De Chirurgie Plastique Et Esthetique
|October 8, 2013
Summary
An uncommon superficial ulnar artery variation can complicate radial forearm flap surgery. Preoperative identification is crucial to prevent upper limb ischemia and guide flap selection.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Forearm vascular anatomy variations are frequently encountered.
- These variations can pose challenges during flap harvesting procedures.
- Radial forearm flaps are commonly used in reconstructive surgery.
Observation:
- A superficial ulnar artery was identified during a radial forearm flap harvest.
- This anatomical variation occurs in 0.7% to 9.4% of individuals.
- The superficial ulnar artery can be mistaken for the radial artery during dissection.
Findings:
- Failure to recognize the superficial ulnar artery can lead to inadvertent vascular injury.
- Such injury may result in compromised blood flow and distal ischemia of the upper limb.
- The presence of this variation necessitates careful surgical planning.
Implications:
- Preoperative diagnosis of superficial ulnar artery is essential for patient safety.
- Awareness allows for modification of surgical technique to avoid complications.
- Fascio-cutaneous flaps centered on a perforator of this artery can be an alternative harvest strategy.
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