Experiencia en el uso de colgajo de Becker para manejo de defecto de cobertura en aspecto dorso-cubital de la mano: análisis retrospectivo de 5 casos / Experience in the use of the Becker flap to manage coverage defects in the dorso-ulnar aspect of the hand: retrospective analysis of 5 cases

INTRODUCTION: Coverage defects of the hand and wrist are usually secondary to high-energy trauma, these must be resolved quickly to protect the underlying vital structures, preserve hand functions and allow early rehabilitation. The dorsal ulnar artery flap (Becker flap), in addition to being a non-demanding surgical technique, has the main advantage of preserving the main vascular axes of the forearm. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective descriptive study in patients with post-traumatic coverage defect in the dorsum-ulnar aspect of the hand, who were managed with a Becker flap between January 2015 and December 2018.Was analyzed age, sex, mechanism of injury, surgical time, size of the defect, type of donor site closure, complications, and functional outcomes/pain/satisfaction/range of motion with the Mayo Modified Wrist score. RESULTS: In total there were 5 cases, all male, with an average age of 53 (31-58) years, who suffered a high-energy trauma. There were 2 complications, one partial epidermolysis and one deep infection with loss of the flap. Follow-up time was 12 weeks for all cases. The results of the Mayo Modified Wrist Score on average were 72 points. CONCLUSION: The Becker flap is a reproducible, rapid dissection, non-demanding, and one-stage technique. The early use of this flap allows the preservation of vital structures, decreases morbidity, allowing early rehabilitation and an early return to work.

Variaciones anatómicas de las arterias radial y ulnar en miembros superiores plastinados / Anatomical variations of radial and ulnar arteries in plastinated upper limbs

Los avances en el área de la salud, con el desarrollo de nuevos procedimientos diagnósticos y quirúrgicos, requieren un conocimiento cada vez más preciso de la anatomía humana. La difusión de la disposición variable de la anatomía resulta primordial no sólo en el campo de la especialización o el postgrado, sino por sobre todo, en el pregrado, desde donde se formarán los especialistas que luego desarrollarán esas nuevas prácticas clínicas y quirúrgicas que requerirán una sólida formación anatómica. Es por esto que la aplicación correcta de técnicas anatómicas en las muestras anatómicas es fundamental para que esta enseñanza en el pregrado pueda desarrollarse de manera eficiente, teniendo la plastinación un rol fundamental en este sentido. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en dar a conocer el hallazgo de variaciones anatómicas arteriales en los miembros superiores de una muestra humana sometida al proceso de plastinación para fomentar, por un lado, la importancia del conocimiento anatómico en el pregrado, el postgrado y las especialidades, como así también la relevancia de la preservación a largo plazo de material biológico para la difusión continua de la anatomía.

SUMMARY: Advances in the area of health with the development of new diagnostic and surgical procedures require an increasingly precise knowledge of human anatomy. The diffusion of the variable arrangement of anatomy is essential not only in the field of specialization or postgraduate, but above all, in the undergraduate, from where the specialists will be trained who will later develop these new clinical and surgical practices that will require a solid anatomical background. This is why the correct application of anatomical techniques in anatomical samples is essential for this undergraduate teaching to be developed efficiently, plastination having a fundamental role in this regard. The aim of this work was to report the discovery of anatomical variations in the upper limbs of a human sample subjected to the plastination process to promote, on one hand, the importance of anatomical knowledge in undergraduate, postgraduate and specialties, as well as the relevance of long- term preservation of biological material for the continued dissemination of anatomy.

Evaluación de las relaciones entre la rama palmar profunda de la arteria ulnar y el ramo profundo del nervio ulnar en la región palmar / Evaluation of the relationship between the deep palmar branch of ulnar artery and the deep branch of the ulnar nerve in the palmar region

RESUMEN: Nos motivó esta presentación los hallazgos observados en la sala de disección sobre las relaciones de la rama palmar profunda de la arteria ulnar y el ramo profundo del nervio ulnar, las diferentes disposiciones de esta rama, el cruzamiento, cuando existe, entre ambos elementos y las pocas referencias sobre el tema, todo con miras a favorecer el abordaje profundo de la palma de la mano y contribuir al conocimiento del área en donde se practican las neurotomías del ramo profundo del nervio ulnar y/ o sus ramas.

SUMMARY: We are motivated by the findings observed in the dissection room on the relationship between the deep palmar branch of ulnar artery and the deep branch of ulnar nerve, the different dispositions of this branch, the crossing, when it exists, between both elements and the few references on the subject, all with a view to favoring the deep approach to the palm and contributing to the knowledge of the area where neurotomies of the deep branch of ulnar nerve and/or its branches are performed.

Flow-Through Arterialized Posterior Interosseous Nerve Grafts for Digital Neurovascular Bundle Defects: Anatomical Study.

BACKGROUND: Digital neurovascular bundle defects are often encountered during crush or avulsion injuries and require complex reconstruction. Use of an arterialized nerve graft (neurovascular graft) serving both as an interpositional arterial conduit and as a nerve graft could be a reconstructive option in these cases. In this anatomical study, the authors aimed to describe a neurovascular graft of the posterior interosseous nerve and a branch of the anterior interosseous artery for neurovascular bundle reconstruction of the fingers. METHODS: Eighteen forearms were injected with red latex in order to collect the anatomical characteristics of the posterior interosseous nerve and the artery running near it. RESULTS: In all cases, the posterior interosseous nerve was followed by a branch of the anterior interosseous artery: the distal dorsal branch of the anterior interosseous nerve. The origin of this artery was proximal to the radiocarpal joint, at an average of 56.5 ± 11.1 mm. The proximal and distal diameters of the branch of the anterior interosseous artery were 1.6 ± 0.2 and 1.1 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. The proximal and distal diameters of the posterior interosseous nerve were 1.2 ± 0.3 mm and 1.1 ± 0.3 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that a potential free neurovascular graft using the posterior interosseous nerve as nerve graft and the anterior interosseous artery as an arterial bypass to reconstruct both the nerve and arterial tree of the finger could be a useful approach. The authors speculate that this graft could be used to reconstruct the neurovascular bundle of amputated or devascularized digits.

Aspectos morfológicos del arco palmar superficial en individuos adultos mayores / Morphological aspects of the surface palmar arch in old adult individuals

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en el análisis de la posición del arco palmar superficial en la palma de la mano, con identificación del origen, forma de disposición, anastomosis presentes y terminación del mismo, proporcionando la experiencia propia y comparándola con los referentes del área, sin llevar adelante una comparación de clasificaciones, sino por el contrario, buscando analizar la información desde un punto de vista clínico-quirúrgico, demostrando la importancia del conocimiento de la anatomía real del arco palmar superficial al momento de abordar la anatomía vascular de la mano en todo tipo de situaciones patológicas.

SUMMARY: The objective of this work consists in the analysis of the position of the superficial palmar arch in the palm of the hand, with identification of the origin, form of disposition, present anastomosis and termination of the same, providing the own experience and comparing it with the referents of the area, without carrying out a comparison of classifications, but on the contrary, seeking to analyze the information from a clinical-surgical point of view, demonstrating the importance of knowledge of the real anatomy of the superficial palmar arch when addressing the vascular anatomy of the hand in all kinds of pathological situations.

Is the dorsal vascular system sufficient to vascularize the entire teguments of the thumb?

PURPOSE: Simultaneous lesions of both proper digital arteries of the thumb are common in hand trauma surgery. The purpose of this anatomical study was to determine if the dorsal arterial network could be sufficient to ensure the vascularization of the thumb skin sheath. METHODS: We carried out a cadaveric study on 22 hands. The ulnar and radial proper digital arteries of the thumb were ligated at the base of the first phalanx. Red dye was injected into the radial artery and blue dye into the ulnar artery at the wrist level. Visual evaluation of skin staining and systematic photographs was done at 1, 3 and 10 min after injection of dyes. RESULTS: Staining of the thumb sheath was obtained in 100% of the dissections and complete in 91.91% of cases. Staining originated from mixed radial and ulnar artery origins in 81.82% of cases. It was incomplete in 9.09% of cases with a missing on the dorsoradial edge of the proximal phalanx. In one dissection, the whole hand skin was only stained red, and in another dissection only stained blue. CONCLUSION: The dorsal vascular network ensures the substitution of the skin vascularization in more than 90% of cases when ligating the proper digital arteries of the thumb. A clinical impression of good skin vascularization after injury of both proper digital arteries might lead the surgeon not to perform systematic revascularization, but the risk of variable damages of adjacent tissues due to an interruption of one major arterial system requires a palmar arterial anastomosis whenever possible.

Arco palmar superficial: redefiniendo un clásico / Superficial palmar arch: redefining a classic

El arco palmar superficial (APS) resulta de la unión de la arteria ulnar y la rama palmar superficial de la arteria radial. Por su convexidad nacen las arterias digitales comunes. Esta descripción es la única que distintos autores han tomado como válida, por lo que se espera encontrarla durante la disección con mayor frecuencia. Esto no ha sido verificado en nuestra experiencia. Nos proponemos llevar a cabo una revisión de la descripción del APS poniéndolo en contraposición con las disecciones realizadas. Se disecaron y analizaron 61 manos cadavéricas. Estudio del arco palmar superficial: Variante clásica del APS: 23 casos (37,7 %). Variante no clásica del APS: 15 casos (24,6 %). Tipo A: 13 casos (86,7 %). Anastomosis entre arterias ulnar y metacarpiana dorsal del primer espacio. Tipo B: 2 casos (13,3 %). Anastomosis entre arterias ulnar y satélite del nervio mediano. Ausencia del arco: 23 casos (37,7 %) Tipo A: 19 casos (82,6 %). La arteria ulnar es la única estructura en el plano del APS. Tipo B: 3 casos (13 %). La arteria ulnar y la rama palmar superficial de la arteria radial están en el plano del APS sin anastomosarse entre sí. Tipo C: 1 caso (4,4 %). La arteria ulnar y la satélite del nervio mediano están en el plano del APS sin anastomosarse. Estudio de la quinta arteria digital palmar común: La quinta arteria digital palmar común se originó de las distintas variantes en 41 casos (67,2 %). Recomendamos al momento de la disección considerar que: la variante clásica no es la más frecuente de hallar; la ausencia del arco se verifica en el mismo porcentaje que la variante clásica; incluso cuando se comprueba la presencia del APS, el porcentaje de la variante no clásica es contundente; la quinta arteria digital palmar común es una rama colateral constante del APS.

The superficial palmar arch (SPA) is formed by the union of the ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. From its convexity four branches emerge, known as the common palmar digital arteries. We propose to carry out a review of the description of the SPA in contrast to the dissections carried out. Sixty-one hands were dissected and studied. Analysis of the SPA: Classic variant of the SPA: 23 cases (37.7 %). Nonclassic variant of the SPA: 15 cases (24.6 %). Type A: 13 cases (86.7 %). Anastomosis between the ulnar artery and the first dorsal metacarpal artery. Type B: 2 cases (13.3 %). Anastomosis between the ulnar artery and the satellite artery of the median nerve. Absence of the arch: 23 cases (37.7 %) Type A: 19 cases (82.6 %). The ulnar artery is the only one present in the plane of the SPA. Type B: 3 cases (13 %). The ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery are in the plane of the superficial palmar arch, there is no anastomosis between them. Type C: 1 case (4.4 %). The ulnar artery and the satellite artery for the median nerve are in the plane of the SPA, there is no anastomosis between them. Analysis of the fifth common palmar digital artery: The fifth common palmar digital artery originates from the different variants in 41 cases (67.2 %). Based on the results, we recommend at the time of dissecting consider that: The classic variant is not the most frequent to find. The absence of the arch is verified in the same percentage rate as the classic variant. Even when the SPA is present, the percentage rate of the non-classic variant is significant. The fifth common palmar digital artery is a constant collateral branch of the superficial palmar arch.

Safe zones in volar portals for wrist arthroscopy, evaluation of central portal : a cadaveric study.

The purpose of this cadaveric study is to determine safe zones utilizing volar portals for wrist arthroscopy, by quantitatively describing the neurovascular relationships of a volar radial and a volar ulnar wrist arthroscopy portals in comparison with those of a newly described volar central portal (7) , considering the advantages in visualization of volar portals for wrist arthroscopy over the standard dorsal (19) . The neurovascular structures and the tendons of nine frozen human cadaveric upper limbs were exposed, while the aforementioned volar portal sites were pointed out with pins. The horizontal distance between the portals and the closest neurovascular branch or tendon was measured with a digital caliper, followed by statistical analysis of the data. The median interquartile range distances from portals to structures at risk were measured and safe zones around each portal were established. This study provides a safe approach to the volar radial and ulnar aspects of the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints, while volar radial and ulnar portals should be considered for inclusion in the arthroscopic examination of any patient with radial and ulnar sided wrist pain respectively (17,18) . Regarding the volar central portal, it is reproducible, safe and both the above joints can be inspected through one single incision (7) .

The 7 Structures Distal to the Elbow That Are Critical to Successful Anterior Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve.

Background: Ulnar nerve transposition (UNT) surgery is performed for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Improperly performed UNT can create iatrogenic pain and neuropathy. The aim of this study is to identify anatomical structures distal to the medial epicondyle that should be recognized by all surgeons performing UNT to prevent postoperative neuropathy. Methods: Ten cadaveric specimens were dissected with attention to the ulnar nerve. Intramuscular UNT surgery was simulated in each. Distal to the medial epicondyle, any anatomical structure prohibiting transposition of the ulnar nerve to a straight-line course across the flexor-pronator mass was noted and its distance from the medial epicondyle was measured. Results: Seven structures were found distal to the medial epicondyle whose recognition is critical to ensuring a successful anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve: (1) Branches of the medial antebrachial cutaneous (MABC) nerve; (2) Osborne's fascia; (3) branches from the ulnar nerve to the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU); (4) crossing vascular branches from the ulnar artery to the FCU; (5) the distal medial intermuscular septum between the FCU and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS); (6) the combined muscular origins of the flexor-pronator muscles; and (7) the investing fascia of the FDS. Measurements are given for each structure. Conclusions: Poor outcomes and unnecessary revision surgeries for cubital tunnel syndrome can be avoided with intraoperative attention to 7 structures distal to the medial epicondyle. Surgeons should expect to dissect up to 12 cm distal to the medial epicondyle to adequately address these and prevent kinking of the nerve in transposition.

Neural Perforasomes of the Upper Extremity.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of the rapid advancement of integumentary vascular knowledge, the authors hypothesized that the extrinsic blood supply to the major peripheral nerves of the upper extremity could be categorized into discrete neural "perforasomes." METHODS: Total limb perfusion of the arterial system was performed with gelatin-red lead oxide in cadaveric upper limbs. The perforating vessels to the radial, median, and ulnar nerves were identified, confirmed with fluoroscopy, and dissected. Distances to major anatomical landmarks of the upper extremity were measured. Additional cadaveric limbs' nerves were dissected and source arteries were selectively cannulated and injected to assess specific contribution to extrinsic nerve perfusion. The perfusion of each nerve was then calculated among all specimens. RESULTS: The radial, median, and ulnar nerve perforators were mapped. The corresponding neural perforasomes were mapped. The distal portions of the superficial radial nerve and the posterior interosseous nerve demonstrated a lack of staining. Similarly, at the carpal tunnel and at the proximal 25 percent of the median nerve (corresponding to the pronator teres), the nerve lacked vascular staining. At the Guyon canal and the flexor carpi ulnaris, the ulnar nerve demonstrated a lack of vascular staining. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral nerves can be divided into neural perforasomes with limited overlap. The extrinsic perfusion of peripheral nerves is highly segmental. Absent stains within the nerves correspond to common sites of compression: carpal tunnel and pronator teres for the median nerve, supinator for the posterior interosseous nerve, and the Guyon canal and the flexor carpi ulnaris for the ulnar nerve.

The surgical anatomy of the superficial and deep palmar arches: A Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The following study aimed to find the pooled prevalence estimate of anatomical variations in the palmar vasculature, namely the superficial palmar arch (SPA) and the deep palmar arch (DPA). The importance of understanding the vasculature of the hand has become critical with the increasing use of hand microsurgery. METHODS: Major online medical databases (PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) were extensively searched for terms pertaining to the SPA, the DPA, and their anatomy and variations. Articles reporting data on the SPA and/or the DPA were collected and their data extracted. Furthermore, a reference search was performed, allowing to pinpoint any articles that were not previously found. The collected data were analyzed using MetaXL 5.3. RESULTS: The analysis included 36 studies (n = 4841 palmar arches). The SPA was found to be complete in 81.3% of cases, with the radioulnar anastomosis being the most common variant (72.0%). The incomplete SPA was present in 18.7% of cases, with the ulnar artery supplying the third finger from both radial and ulnar side as the most prevalent in 34.8%. The DPA was found to be complete in 95.2% of cases. CONCLUSION: In this study, the SPA was predominantly complete, with the anastomosis between the radial and the ulnar artery being most prevalent. Furthermore, the DPA was also complete in the vast majority of cases. The palmar arches and their variations should be kept in mind when considering the use of palmar vasculature for cardiac catheterization and other medical procedures, due to the risk of iatrogenic ischemic hand complications.

Posterior interosseous artery pedicle flap: an anatomical study of the relationship between the posterior interosseous nerve and artery.

The anatomical relationships of the posterior interosseous artery and nerve are not well described. To characterize these relationships, ten cadaveric forearms were dissected and the relationships between the posterior interosseous nerve, its branches, and the posterior interosseous artery documented. The dissection of the posterior interosseous artery flap can be conceptualized in three zones with decreasing risk to the nerve as the dissection proceeds from proximal to distal. Provided fine motor branches of the posterior interosseous nerve are protected during the dissection of the nerve and artery, this flap can be harvested with safety.

Arteria ulnar superficial, bilateral y antebraquial: similitudes y diferencias / Superficial ulnar artery, bilateral and antebrachial: similarities and differences

Describimos un hallazgo infrecuente de arteria ulnar superficial en ambos antebrazos de un cadáver, con origen en la arteria braquial, a nivel de la fosa cubital. Las arterias presentan un trayecto que dividimos en cuatro segmentos, a causa de sus flexuosidades. Ambos antebrazos presentan ausencia del músculo palmaris longus. Se resumen las principales teorías sobre su desarrollo y las complicaciones que pueden ser ocasionadas por su presencia y el eventual beneficio de la misma. Hasta el momento, no hemos encontrado en la literatura, una disposición morfológica de arterias ulnares superficiales como las aquí descritas.

We describe an infrequent finding of a superficial ulnar artery in both cadaver forearms, which originates in the brachial artery at cubital fossa level. The arteries have a path that we divided into four segments, because of their flexuosities. Both forearms showed an absence of the palmaris longus muscle. This summarizes the main theories about its development and the complications and eventual benefits that can be caused by its presence. So far, we have not found in the literature, a morphological disposition of superficial ulnar arteries such as those described here.

Treatment of Recurrent and Persistent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The Fasciocutaneous Dorsal Ulnar Artery Flap.

Surgical treatment of recurrent and persistent carpal tunnel syndrome by repeat carpal tunnel release combined with soft tissue nerve coverage results in a higher success rate for symptomatic relief in the presence of a scarred median nerve. Several techniques, including local pedicled flaps, transposition flaps from the distal forearm, and free flaps, have been described, but consensus regarding a preferred technique has not been reached. The dorsal ulnar artery flap or Becker flap is a local fasciocutaneous flap based on a dorsal perforating branch of the ulnar artery that can be used for soft tissue coverage of the median nerve. Advantages of this technique are the quick and easy dissection and low donor site morbidity. Studies of its use for the treatment of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome are limited.

Vascularized ulnar periosteal pedicled flap for forearm reconstruction: Anatomical study and a case report.

PURPOSE: Through an anatomical review, the aim of this study is to define the ulnar periosteal branches of the posterior interosseous vessels (PIV). In addition, we report the clinical utility of a vascularized ulnar periosteal pedicled flap (VUPPF), supplied by the investigated PIV, in a complex case of radial nonunion. METHODS: Ten upper limbs latex colored from fresh human cadavers were used. Branches of the PIV were dissected under 2.5× loupe magnification, noting the periosteal, muscular, and cutaneous branches arising distal to the interosseous recurrent artery. The VUPPF was measured in length (cm) and width (cm). RESULTS: The PIV provided a mean 12.8 periosteal branches to the ulna distributed along the most distal 15 cm, with a mean distance between branches of 1 cm, allowing for the design of a VUPPF which measured a mean 12 cm in length and 1.7 cm in width. We used a VUPPF of 7.8 cm in length and 2 cm in width to treat extensive nonvascularized bone graft nonunion with a defect of 2 cm of the left radius in a 6-year-old girl, secondary to previous Ewing's Sarcoma reconstruction. Successfully consolidation was achieved 6-months after surgery. The patient did not present postoperative complications. At 2-years of follow-up after surgery, active supination was 80° and pronation 0° (due an incomplete interosseous ossification); grip strength was 80% that of the opposite hand. The patient had resumed all her daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: VUPPF may be considered a valuable and reliable surgical option for forearm reconstruction in complex clinical scenarios.

A perforator from the ulnar artery and cutaneous nerve of the hypothenar area: An anatomical study for clinical application.

PURPOSE: The hypothenar perforator flap is a recently introduced method for fingertip reconstruction, which offers excellent results but lacks adequate anatomic studies. The present study is aimed to clarify the anatomic characteristics of the hypothenar area to analyze the potential clinical application of sensate flaps and to access the reliability of hypothenar perforator arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 amputated forearms were used, and a percentage scattergram using an x-y-axis was created. The y-axis was a vertical line from the midpoint of pisiform base (0%) to the midvolar crease of the metacarpophalangeal joint (100%). The x-axis was a line perpendicular to the y-axis, and was quantified as a percentage value. We then studied the number of perforators, the diameter and length of the pedicle, and evaluated the differences between the zones and sexes. RESULTS: A reliable region for the hypothenar perforator flap, including more than two perforator arteries with an average diameter of over 1 mm, was mapped as 5%-20% on the x-axis and 10%-50% on the y-axis. The nerves appeared to occur more densely than the arteries, with 5%-15% on the x-axis and 25%-60% on the y-axis. CONCLUSION: The most consistent area for sensate flap elevation was the region around 5%-15% on the x-axis and 25%-50% on the y-axis. We expect that our data concerning perforator artery and cutaneous nerve branches in the hypothenar area of the hand will aid in establishing appropriate clinical usage of the hypothenar perforator flap. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:49-56, 2017.

Vascular territories of the medial upper arm-an anatomic study of the vascular basis for individualized flap design.

BACKGROUND: Fasciocutaneous flaps supplied by discrete perforator arteries can be raised in numerous parts of the human body and are routinely used in plastic surgery. The aim of this anatomical investigation was to provide a description of the vascular supply of the medial upper arm, to localize and measure the perforator arteries and to define potential perforator flap dimensions in pendency of individual anatomical conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 20 upper limbs from 11 fresh cadavers were examined. The brachial arteries were exposed and the medial perforator arteries selectively injected with methylene blue and india ink in an alternating sequence. The size of the angiosomes, the diameter and length of the perforators' pedicles and distances between the arteries and the medial epicondyle and apex of the axilla respectively were measured. RESULTS: On average, 4.55 ± 1.47 perforating arteries arose from the brachial artery and it's medial off branching arteries. Their mean diameter was 0.68 ± 0.27 mm and their pedicles had an average length of 3.62 ± 1.61 cm measured from suprafascial until arborisation. In 80% the first proximal perforator was present in an area of 4 cm radius at centre coordinates of (20/2). A constant distal perforator was found within a circle of 3 cm radius, of which the centre had the coordinates (8/1). The average size of the angiosomes was 121.1 ± 58.5 cm2 . Direct branches of the brachial artery feed circular shaped vascular territories, whereas superior ulnar collateral arteries (SUCAs) feed oblong shaped territories. CONCLUSION: This anatomical study provides valuable data of the medial arm flap in order to be applied clinically. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Arco palmar: correlato anátomo-quirúrgico en trauma / Palmar arch: anatomical and surgical correlation in trauma

La irrigación de la palma de la mano es proporcionada por arcos arteriales (superficial y profundo) que están conformados más frecuentemente por las arterias ulnar y radial estableciendo un patrón descrita como clásico. Se describen variaciones anatómicas en la conformación de ambos arcos, más frecuentemente en el arco palmar superficial; pudiendo ser los mismos completos o incompletos. Es objetivode este trabajo, la descripción anatómica de los arcos palmares, de sus diferentes patrones y variaciones de conformación, y sus implicancias clínico-quirúrgicas. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, observacional y morfométrico de las arterias que participan en la formación de los arcos palmares; se utilizaron 100 preparaciones cadavéricas fijadas en solución de formol, de la Tercera Cátedra de Anatomía - Facultad de Medicina- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Se realizó además un análisis retrospectivo de casos con lesiones de la/sarteria/s principal/es que conforman los arcos palmares, en el Servicio de Emergencias del Hospital de Morón, entre 2015-2016. La arteria radial conforma el arco arterial profundo con la arteria cubito palmar más frecuentemente en el 100 % de los casos. El arco arterial superficial es el más variable. Fue completo en el 56 % y la presentación más frecuente (83 %) es aquella que se conforma por la anastomosis de la arteria ulnar y la arteria radiopalmar. El resto de las anastomosis son: entre arteria ulnar y arteria mediana (9 %),entre rama profunda de arteria radial y arteria ulnar (5 %); triple anastomosis entre arteria ulnar, arteria mediana y arteria radiopalmar (2 %), y anastomosis entre la arteria mediana y la arteria radiopalmar, sinparticipación de la arteria ulnar (1 %). El resto de la muestra (44 %) se lo puede denominar como incompleto. Los subtipos B1a y B1b fueron los más encontrados. Se describen dos casos clínicos, uno con sección completa de la arteria radial a nivel de la muñeca y el otro con sección completa de arteria ulnar con compromiso del nervio ulnar. Resulta esencial un correcto conocimiento de los arcos palmares para un adecuado abordaje quirúrgico de la mano. La importancia de la presencia o ausencia, así como de las distintas variaciones de los arcos arteriales palmares radica en su aplicación clínica quirúrgica como punto departida en el tratamiento del trauma como de otras patologías en las que existe compromiso de estos vasos.

The irrigation of the palm is provided by arterial arches (shallow and deep) that are made more frequently by the ulnar or radial arteries described as setting a classic pattern. Anatomical variations are described in shaping both arches, most often in the superficial palmar arch; may be the same complete or incomplete. The objective of this work is the anatomical description of the palmar arches, their different patterns and variations in conformation, and their clinical and surgical implications. A descriptive, observational and morphometric study of the arteries involved in the formation of the palmar arches was done in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires. One hundred 1(00) cadaveric preparations fixed in formalin solution, of the Third Chair of Anatomy were used. A retrospective analysis of cases with lesions / s artery /main / s that make the palmar arches in the Emergency Hospital of Moron, between 2015-2016 s was alsocarried out. Most frequently the radial artery forms the deep palmar arch with the deep palmar branch ofthe ulnar artery. Superficial palmar arch is the most variable. It was complete in 56 % and the most common presentation (83 %) is one that is formed by the anastomosis of the ulnar artery and the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. The rest of the anastomosis are between ulnar artery and median artery(9%), between deep branch of radial artery and ulnar artery (5 %); triple anastomosis between ulnar artery,median artery and superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (2 %), and anastomosis between the median artery and superficial palmar branch of the radial artery without participation of the ulnar artery (1%). The rest of the sample (44 %) can be termed as incomplete. The B1a and B1b subtypes were the mostfound. Two cases, one entire section of the radial artery at the wrist and the other with complete section ofulnar artery with involvement of the ulnar nerve are described. It is essential to a proper understanding ofthe palmar arches for a suitable surgical approach to hand. The importance of the presence or absence, aswell as different variations of palmar arterial arch lies in its clinical application as surgical starting point in the treatment of trauma and other diseases in which there is engagement of arteries.

Perforator anatomy of the radial forearm free flap versus the ulnar forearm free flap for head and neck reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to investigate the vascular anatomy of the distal forearm in order to optimize the choice between the radial forearm free flap and the ulnar forearm free flap and to select the best site to harvest the flap. The radial and ulnar arteries of seven fresh cadavers were injected with epoxy resin (Araldite) and the perforating arteries were dissected. The number of clinically relevant perforators from the radial and ulnar arteries was not significantly different in the distal forearm. Most perforators were located in the proximal half of the distal one third, making this part probably the safest location for flap harvest. Close to the wrist, i.e. most distally, there were more perforators on the ulnar side than on the radial side. The ulnar artery stained 77% of the skin surface area of the forearm, showing the ulnar forearm free flap to be more suitable than the radial forearm free flap for the restoration of large defects.