Perforator arteries of the medial upper arm: anatomical basis of a new flap donor site

Surg Radiol Anat. 2013 Jan;35(1):39-48. doi: 10.1007/s00276-012-0997-9. Epub 2012 Aug 30.

Abstract

The development of perforator flaps' concept based on knowledge on vascular anatomy of the skin represents a major improvement in reconstructive surgery. Succeeding description about vascular territories and anatomical basics of the main donor sites, the study of hidden donor sites, such as medial upper arm, constitutes a new step and an additional refinement. 20 upper limbs of 10 fresh adult cadavers were studied with colored latex injections. The origin and distribution of the perforator arteries of the superior ulnar collateral artery and the brachial artery were investigated. We have noted constant perforator arteries and described the limits of vascular territories of the medial upper arm.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arm / anatomy & histology*
  • Arm / blood supply*
  • Brachial Artery / anatomy & histology
  • Brachial Artery / surgery
  • Cadaver
  • Coloring Agents
  • Dissection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Latex
  • Male
  • Perforator Flap / blood supply*
  • Perforator Flap / surgery
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Transplant Donor Site / anatomy & histology
  • Transplant Donor Site / blood supply*
  • Ulnar Artery / anatomy & histology
  • Ulnar Artery / surgery

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Latex