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J Reconstr Microsurg 2012; 28(03): 195-198
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1301071
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Usefulness of Radial Recurrent Artery in Transplant of Radial Forearm Flap: An Anatomical and Clinical Study

Atsumori Hamahata
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saitama Cancer Center, Saitama, Japan
,
Hiroaki Nakazawa
2   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan
,
Masaki Takeuchi
3   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yachiyo Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
,
Hiroyuki Sakurai
4   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

30 July 2011

15 October 2011

Publication Date:
24 January 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Because of its long and stable pedicle, the radial forearm flap is very useful for salvage operations in which there are few choices of recipient vessels. However, pedicle length deficiency and size discrepancy of anastomotic vessels still exist. In such cases, the radial recurrent artery that bifurcates from the radial artery can be used as an anastomotic vessel. Anatomical variations of the recurrent radial artery were studied in 18 cadavers. The branch types were classified as branch from radial artery (Type A), branch from radial artery root (Type B), branch from brachial artery (Type C), and branch from ulnar artery (Type D). Radial artery and radial recurrent artery diameters were measured. The radial recurrent artery was used as an anastomotic vessel in four salvage operations. Branching type variations were Type A: 61.1%, Type B: 33.3%, Type C: 0%, and Type D: 5.6%. Radial recurrent artery diameter was 1.84 ± 0.59 mm at the 20 mm point from bifurcation. In clinical cases, all flaps survived without any anastomotic difficulties. Thus, anastomosis using radial recurrent artery vessels is recommended as a strategy in free radial forearm transplantation for salvage operations.

Keywords

radial recurrent artery - radical forearm flap - reconstruction
 

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