[Arterial dominance of the hand]

Arterial dominance in the hand was studied in 164 hands using digital pulse electronic oscillography (DPEO) and the Allen test. It was seen that the radial artery more frequently delivered the main blood supply to the digits (radial-ulnar dominance 12.8: 4.2%). The situation where no collateral circulation is present deserves special attention (absolute dominance). This was observed in 3% of the cases for the radial and in 1.2% for the ulnar artery. The Allen test was found useful in detecting ulnar artery dominance for the radial artery, however, false negative results may be obtained. In addition, 29 hands with a thrombosed radial artery were studied. No collateral circulation other than from the ulnar artery could be demonstrated. Since dominance of the ulnar artery is less common and can be reliably assessed with the Allen test, a forearm flap based on the ulnar artery appears to be safer than a radial forearm flap.