The venous blood-flow of the flexor aspect of the human forearm. Clinical relevance to the distally-pedicled forearm flap.

In the distally-pedicled radial island flap a reverse venous flow was observed. In 20 cadaver extremities the veins of the lower arms were perfused and dissected and the island flaps elevated. The 3 venous systems are described here according to the number, site and shape of the valves and the venous flow from the flap is also discussed.