The distally based ulnar artery forearm flap supplied by the dorsal carpal arch

Abstract

It is accepted that the ulnar artery forearm flap is dependent on the integrity of the palmar arches for ulnar arterial backflow and the patency of both radial and ulnar arteries. A patient is presented who demonstrates the successful use of the ulnar artery forearm flap supplied by the dorsal carpal arch via the dorsal branch of the ulnar artery. In this patient, the ulnar artery was damaged distal to the dorsal branch of the ulnar artery. A distally based ulnar forearm was dissected up to the dorsal branch of the ulnar artery and pivoted around this branch. This flap survived completely with no postoperative problem.