Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
09:41
Estimation of Contact Regions Between Hands and Objects During Human Multi-Digit Grasping
Published on: April 21, 2023
2.1K
Anatomical Differences Between Foot and Hand Web Space Reconstruction
Pobe Luangjarmekorn1, Puchong Kulrat1, Sittisak Honsawek2
1Orthopaedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chualaongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
Summary
Differences in foot and hand anatomy necessitate distinct dorsal flap designs for web space reconstruction. Foot web spaces require longer, narrower flaps compared to hand flaps due to anatomical variations.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Plastic Surgery
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Web space reconstruction is crucial for hand and foot function.
- Anatomical differences between hand and foot web spaces may impact flap design.
- Current guidelines for dorsal flap design may not adequately address foot-specific anatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify anatomical differences in the web spaces of the foot and hand.
- To provide evidence-based guidelines for dorsal flap design in foot and hand web space reconstruction.
- To improve surgical outcomes for web space defects in both extremities.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of surgical landmarks in the right hands and feet of 18 adult volunteers.
- Analysis included proximal phalangeal length, web space tip-to-tip distance, and joint angles.
- Statistical comparison using paired t-tests with a significance level of p < .05.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were found in proximal phalangeal length (foot: 34.63 mm vs. hand: 60.16 mm).
- Foot web spaces exhibited a higher mean slope angle (19.26° vs. 4.89°) and less average abduction (25.33° vs. 31.07°).
- Web height and width ratios also differed significantly between foot and hand web spaces.
Conclusions:
- Foot web spaces present unique anatomical characteristics, including shorter phalangeal length and steeper slopes.
- Flap design for foot web space reconstruction should prioritize longer and narrower flaps compared to hand reconstruction.
- Recommended flap length is at least 72% of proximal phalangeal length for feet versus 51% for hands; width recommendations also differ.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
3.3K
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
3.3K
01:33Somatosensation
42.8K
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
42.8K
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
8.4K
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
8.4K
01:13Microscopic Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles
21.7K
Skeletal muscle cells, also called muscle fibers, are distinctly elongated, multi-nucleated, slender biological units. They are packed with specialized structures designed to facilitate their primary function, which is contraction.
The muscle sarcolemma is a plasma membrane enclosing each muscle cell that conducts electrical signals called action potentials. The sarcolemma extends into the cell to form T-tubules, ensuring the neural impulses are uniformly distributed across the entire muscle...
The muscle sarcolemma is a plasma membrane enclosing each muscle cell that conducts electrical signals called action potentials. The sarcolemma extends into the cell to form T-tubules, ensuring the neural impulses are uniformly distributed across the entire muscle...
21.7K
01:28Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
3.8K
The human leg comprises an intricate system of muscles that facilitate the movement of feet and toes. Within this system, the muscles are categorized into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments, each with a unique set of muscles carrying out specific functions.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....
3.8K
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
4.0K
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side...
4.0K