An anatomic study of the dorsal forearm perforator flaps

Purpose

The posterior forearm is an excellent donor site for the vascular pedicled cutaneous flaps; yet, there is surprisingly little detailed anatomical information based on clinical decision making. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anatomical basis of the dorsal forearm perforator flaps and to provide anatomical landmarks to facilitate flap elevation.

Methods

Thirty cadavers were available to perform this anatomical study after arterial injection. Twenty fresh cadavers were injected with a modified lead oxide–gelatin mixture, selected for 3-dimensional reconstruction using special software (MIMICS) and the arterial territory measured with Scion Image. Other ten were injected with red latex preparation, and perforators were identified through dissection.

Results

(1) The average number of posterior interosseous artery cutaneous perforators in the dorsal forearm was 5 ± 2, the average diameter was (0.5 ± 0.1) mm, and the pedicle length was (2.5 ± 0.2) cm. The average cutaneous vascular territory was (22 ± 15) cm². Cutaneous perforators could be found along the line extending from the lateral epicondyle to the radial border of the head of ulna. (2) Dorsal branch of anterior interosseous artery supplied blood to distal third of dorsal forearm; its average diameter was 0.8 mm.

Conclusion

The free transplantation of the posterior interosseous perforator artery flaps or rotary flap pedicled by dorsal branch of anterior interosseous artery for defect reconstruction is feasible.