[Dorso-cubital flap of the thumb. An anatomical study with clinical applications. Apropos of 22 cases].

The arterial supply of the dorsal surface of 25 thumbs was studied by light microscopy. An artery, located on the dorso-ulnar side and connecting the head of the first metacarpal bone with the dorsal arcade of the nail matrix, was constantly found in all dissections. The authors report the results of the anatomical study and the clinical applications of a skin flap which can be raised on the dorso-ulnar surface of the M.P. joint with a distal pedicle. Clinical experience is based on 22 flaps. In 18 cases this flap was used for distal skin loss coverage (palmar or dorsal) of the thumb as an island flap. In 4 cases it was used for reconstruction of the finger pulp in the form of a cross finger flap.