A new flap based on the distal branches of the radial artery.

A flap based on the distal branches of the radial artery is raised on the dorso-lateral aspect of the distal third of the forearm. Thirty fresh cadaver dissections have established the anatomical rationale of the flap. The potential territory is supplied by a subaponeurotic plexus of vessels fed by lateral branches of the radial artery in the distal third of the forearm. This new knowledge of the anatomy has been applied to the performance of this flap in seven clinical cases. Various methods of application to hand and wrist reconstruction are described along with a discussion of the various advantages and disadvantages.