[The use of the ulnar artery in hand replantation]

A method for restoring arterial circulation at replantation of the metacarpus with reversed ulnar artery is presented. It was employed in 31 years old patient who underwent replantation of the metacarpus with index, middle and ring finger. The little one was abandoned due to the vast damage. Great defect made end-to-end anastomosis not feasible. Reversed ulnar artery bypass served to restore arterial circulation without need for shortening of the metacarpals. Numerous presentations stressing arterial bypass advantages provoked our attempt to use this method. After half a year good functional and cosmetic result has been achieved.