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संक्रमित फ्लेक्सर शीट का नालीकरण

Updated Sep 2026

यह पृष्ठ मशीन द्वारा अनूदित है और अभी तक किसी चिकित्सक द्वारा जाँचा नहीं गया है। अंग्रेज़ी संस्करण ही आधिकारिक है।

इस ऑपरेशन का सुझाव क्यों दिया गया है

मैटर प्राइवेट हॉस्पिटल रॉकहैम्पटन में ऊपरी अंगों के सर्जन डॉ. किरण हिरपारा इस संक्रमण का इलाज इसे तुरंत खत्म करके करते हैं, क्योंकि देरी से यह प्रभावित हो सकता है कि बाद में उंगली कितनी अच्छी तरह से चलती है। मरीजों को आम तौर पर उनके जीपी द्वारा हमारे क्लिनिक में भेजा जाता है; यदि एक फिजियोथेरेपिस्ट ने सुझाव दिया है कि आप हमें देखें, तो आपको मेडिकेयर छूट के लिए पात्र होने के लिए अपने जीपी से एक रेफरल की आवश्यकता होगी। आपके आकलन पर हम एक इतिहास लेते हैं, आपकी उंगली की जांच करते हैं, और इमेजिंग या परीक्षणों की व्यवस्था करते हैं जहां उनकी आवश्यकता होती है।

यह संक्रमण ऊतक की सुरंग को प्रभावित करता है जो आपकी उंगलियों की नसों को फिसलने देता है। यह सूजन, उंगली के सामने की ओर कोमलता और उंगली को सीधा करने पर दर्द का कारण बनता है। यह आमतौर पर एक छिद्रण घाव या खरोंच के बाद होता है, कभी-कभी एक छोटा होता है। एंटीबायोटिक्स अकेले आमतौर पर पर्याप्त नहीं होते हैं, क्योंकि पुस उस बंद सुरंग के अंदर इकट्ठा होता है। यह ऑपरेशन छोटे कटों के माध्यम से संक्रमण को धोता है और इसे एंटीबायोटिक उपचार के साथ जोड़ा जाता है। तेजी से कार्य करने से टेंडन को फिर से स्वतंत्र रूप से फिसलने का सबसे अच्छा मौका मिलता है, और इसका उद्देश्य दर्द को दूर करना और उंगली को आगे बढ़ाना है।

ऑपरेशन से पहले

सर्जरी से सात घंटे पहले आपको खाना और पीना बंद करना होगा। हम छह के बजाय सात के लिए पूछना ताकि हम आप आगे ला सकते हैं अगर थिएटर सूची जल्दी से चला जाता है. आपका सर्जन आपको बताएगा कि उस दिन आपको कौन सी दवाएं नहीं लेनी चाहिए, और आपके द्वारा ली जाने वाली सभी दवाओं की एक लिखित सूची लाने में मदद मिलेगी। बाद में किसी के द्वारा घर ले जाने की व्यवस्था करें, और ढीले, आरामदायक कपड़े पहनें। ऑपरेशन की योजना बनाने के लिए कुछ इमेजिंग की आवश्यकता हो सकती है, जैसे एक्स-रे, अल्ट्रासाउंड या एमआरआई स्कैन। यदि आपके पास अन्य चिकित्सा स्थितियां हैं, तो आपको दिन से पहले रक्त परीक्षण या एनेस्थीसियोलॉजिस्ट के साथ समीक्षा की आवश्यकता हो सकती है।

उस दिन

आप अस्पताल के सर्जिकल एडमिशन यूनिट में पहुंचते हैं, जहाँ आपको चेक-इन किया जाता है और आपरेशन के लिए तैयार किया जाता है। आप एनेस्थीसियोलॉजिस्ट से मिलेंगे, जो आपके स्वास्थ्य की समीक्षा करेंगे और आपके प्रश्नों के उत्तर देंगे। यह ऑपरेशन सामान्य संज्ञाहरण के तहत किया जाता है। सर्जरी के बाद दर्द से राहत के लिए कभी-कभी एक क्षेत्रीय तंत्रिका अवरोधक जोड़ा जाता है; संज्ञाहरण विशेषज्ञ दिन में आपके साथ इस पर चर्चा करेगा। फिर आपको ऑपरेशन थिएटर में ले जाया जाता है, जहाँ आपरेशन किया जाता है।

आप वसूली क्षेत्र में जागते हैं, जहां नर्सें आपको निगरानी करती हैं जबकि संज्ञाहरण का प्रभाव कम हो जाता है। एक बार जब आप स्थिर हो जाते हैं, तो आप या तो वार्ड में जाते हैं या घर जाते हैं, प्रक्रिया और आपकी वसूली के आधार पर। कुछ लोगों को थोड़े समय तक रहने की आवश्यकता होती है ताकि एंटीबायोटिक्स एक ड्रिप के माध्यम से जारी रह सकें। जाने से पहले, हम बताते हैं कि आपके हाथ की देखभाल कैसे करें और आपके अनुवर्ती की व्यवस्था करें।

ऑपरेशन में क्या शामिल है

इस ऑपरेशन का उद्देश्य आपकी उंगली में ऊतक की संक्रमित सुरंग को खोलना और उसमें से पिस को धोना है। आपका सर्जन उंगली के हथेली की तरफ एक ज़िगज़ैग कट करता है। यदि आपके पास पहले से ही चोट से घाव है, तो यह उस कटौती में शामिल है। ऊतकों को हड्डी के करीब रखने वाले ऊतक के छोटे बैंड आंशिक रूप से जारी किए जाते हैं ताकि सर्जन टेंडन्स और उनके आसपास की सुरंग तक पहुंच सके।

फिर सुरंग को बार-बार एंटीबायोटिक युक्त तरल के साथ बाहर निकाल दिया जाता है जब तक कि बाहर निकलने वाला तरल स्पष्ट न हो जाए। जब यह होता है, तो आपकी उंगली को धीरे से झुकाया और सीधा किया जाता है ताकि तरल पदार्थ टेंडन के हर हिस्से तक पहुंच सके। टेंडन से जुड़ा कोई भी संक्रमित ऊतक साफ हो जाता है। कुछ मामलों में सुरंग में एक बारीक नरम ट्यूब छोड़ी जाती है ताकि द्रव इसके माध्यम से बाद में, आमतौर पर धीमी, स्थिर दर से धोया जा सके। ट्यूब को सुरंग के अंदर सावधानीपूर्वक रखा जाता है, क्योंकि त्वचा के नीचे गलत जगह पर द्रव जमा होने से उंगली की रक्त आपूर्ति को नुकसान हो सकता है।

घाव को टांके से बंद किया जाता है, और अधिकांश लोग एक ड्रिप के माध्यम से एंटीबायोटिक्स का एक कोर्स भी शुरू करते हैं। एंटीबायोटिक्स का चयन संक्रमण का कारण बनने वाले कीटाणु और इसकी गंभीरता के अनुसार किया जाता है। कुछ लोगों को अस्पताल में थोड़े समय तक रहने की आवश्यकता होती है ताकि ड्रिप एंटीबायोटिक्स जारी रह सके।

पूरा उपचार एक जोड़ी के रूप में काम करता है: ऑपरेशन संक्रमण को खत्म करता है, और एंटीबायोटिक्स जो बचा है उसे साफ करता है। आपका सर्जन आपको समझाएगा कि इनमें से कौन-से भाग आपके लिए लागू होते हैं, क्योंकि सटीक कदम इस बात पर निर्भर करते हैं कि संक्रमण कितनी दूर तक फैल गया है और ऑपरेशन के दौरान क्या पाया जाता है।

ऑपरेशन के बाद

आप वसूली क्षेत्र में जागते हैं, जहां नर्सें आपको बारीकी से देखती हैं जब आप जागते हैं। दर्द को दवा के साथ नियंत्रित किया जाता है, और आपका हाथ एक ड्रेसिंग और पट्टी में होगा। जैसे ही आप सक्षम महसूस करेंगे, आप घूम सकते हैं, और पहले 24 घंटों के लिए कोई आपके साथ रहना चाहिए। आपकी टीम आपको बताएगी कि आप उसी दिन घर जा सकते हैं या एक रात अस्पताल में रह सकते हैं। हम लगभग 10 दिनों के लिए ड्रेसिंग पर छोड़ देते हैं; कृपया इसे तब तक न हटाएं जब तक हम आपको ऐसा न कहें। जब हम आपको देखते हैं तो हम इसे बदल देते हैं या हटा देते हैं।

वसूली

पहले कुछ दिनों और हफ्तों तक आपकी उंगली में दर्द और सूजन रहेगी। सूजन अक्सर पूरी उंगली के साथ-साथ हथेली तक फैल जाती है। अपने हाथ को तकिया पर उठाकर रखना, यहां तक कि जब आप सो रहे हों, तब भी इसे स्थिर करने में मदद मिलती है। साधारण दर्द निवारक दवाएं आमतौर पर असुविधा को कम करती हैं क्योंकि यह बेहतर होती है।

आपका हाथ लगभग 10 दिनों तक ड्रेसिंग और पट्टी में रहेगा। जब हम आपको देखते हैं तो हम ड्रेसिंग बदल देते हैं या निकाल देते हैं। उसके बाद, आपका वसूली आंदोलन पर केंद्रित है। इस सर्जरी के बाद रूबी डूलन के साथ एक्सटेंड रिहैबिलिटेशन में हैंड थेरेपी है। रूबी एक हैंड थेरेपिस्ट है: वह आपके अभ्यासों का मार्गदर्शन करेगी और आपकी उंगली के लिए कोई भी स्प्लिंट बनाएगी। व्यायाम धीरे-धीरे शुरू होते हैं और जैसे-जैसे दर्द कम होता है, बढ़ते जाते हैं। आप दिन में थोड़ी-थोड़ी बार अपनी उंगली को झुकाते और सीधा करते रहेंगे। इससे नसों को सुरंग के अंदर फिसलने में मदद मिलती है क्योंकि यह ठीक हो जाती है।

जब तक यह ठीक नहीं हो जाता, तब तक आप घर में ज्यादातर काम दूसरे हाथ से कर सकते हैं। कटावों को साफ और सूखा रखें, और जब तक हम आपको यह सुरक्षित है, तब तक भारी पकड़ने, उठाने या हाथ को गंदा करने से बचें। जब आपका हाथ स्प्लिंट में होता है या आप एक आपातकालीन स्टॉप में पकड़ नहीं सकते हैं और जल्दी से प्रतिक्रिया नहीं कर सकते हैं, तो ड्राइविंग टेबल से बाहर है, और आपको मजबूत दर्द दवा से दूर होना चाहिए। ऊपरी अंग की सर्जरी के बाद गाड़ी चलाने के बारे में हमारी गाइड बताती है कि आप फिर से कब गाड़ी चला सकते हैं।

उपचार ठीक होने पर भी उंगली में कुछ कठोरता की उम्मीद की जाती है, और आंदोलन को वापस आने में समय लग सकता है। आपकी समयरेखा अगले व्यक्ति से भिन्न हो सकती है; हम और आपका चिकित्सक आपको रास्ते में मार्गदर्शन करेंगे।

क्या गलत हो सकता है

अधिकांश रोगी ठीक हो जाते हैं, लेकिन कभी-कभी समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। आपका सर्जन और टीम किसी भी समस्या को जल्दी पहचानने के लिए आपकी बारीकी से निगरानी करते हैं।

एक समस्या जो इस संक्रमण के कारण हो सकती है वह है उंगली में रक्त की आपूर्ति में अचानक गिरावट। डॉक्टर इसे डिजिटल इस्केमिया कहते हैं। इसका मतलब है कि उंगली को पर्याप्त रक्त नहीं मिल रहा है, इसलिए यह पीली, धुंधली या उसके बगल की उंगलियों की तुलना में गहरे रंग की दिखाई दे सकती है। यह ठंडी, सुन्न या पहले की तुलना में अधिक दर्दनाक महसूस हो सकता है, और दर्द एक चंगा करने वाली उंगली के सामान्य दर्द के बजाय गहरा और धड़कने वाला हो सकता है। उंगली भी तेजी से सूज सकती है या फर्म महसूस कर सकती है।

यह इंतजार करने के लिए कुछ नहीं है। यदि आप इनमें से किसी भी परिवर्तन को नोटिस करते हैं, तो तुरंत क्लिनिक से संपर्क करें, या आपातकालीन विभाग में जाएं यदि यह घंटों के बाद है या आप किसी से संपर्क नहीं कर सकते हैं। टीम को बताएं कि आप क्या देख रहे हैं और यह कब शुरू हुआ। शीघ्र उपचार से उंगली को उसकी रक्त आपूर्ति बहाल करने का सबसे अच्छा मौका मिलता है।

यदि आप घर पर हैं और एक वॉश-आउट ट्यूब जगह पर है, तो कॉल करते समय किसी भी नए रंग परिवर्तन, ठंड या बढ़ते दर्द का उल्लेख करें। यदि आप अनिश्चित हैं कि जो आप देख रहे हैं वह समस्या के रूप में गिना जाता है, तो फिर भी कॉल करें। पूछना हमेशा अच्छा होता है।

कुछ परिवर्तन आपातकालीन विभाग के बजाय आपकी अगली समीक्षा में उठाने लायक हैं, जैसे कि हल्की सूजन जो धीरे-धीरे बस रही है या असुविधा जो सरल दर्द निवारक के साथ कम हो रही है। आपकी टीम आपको आपके अनुवर्ती निरीक्षण में बताएगी कि कौन-से बदलावों के लिए फ़ोन कॉल की आवश्यकता है और कौन-से आपके अपॉइंटमेंट की प्रतीक्षा कर सकते हैं।

इस पृष्ठ पर जटिलताओं की तालिका विशिष्ट दरों को सूचीबद्ध करती है यदि आप विशिष्टता चाहते हैं।

हमें कब कॉल करें

यदि आपको बुखार आता है, यदि आपके घाव के चारों ओर लाली फैल रही है, या यदि कटाव से स्राव बढ़ता है तो हमें कॉल करें। अगर अचानक दर्द बहुत ज्यादा हो जाए, अगर आपकी उंगली का रंग बदल जाए, या यदि आप उसे मोड़ या सीधा नहीं कर पाते हैं तो हमें कॉल करें। यदि आपके बछड़े की सूजन या सांस की तकलीफ है, या यदि आपकी उंगली पीली, धुंधली या ठंडी दिखती है, तो आपात स्थिति में जाएं। इन परिवर्तनों को तत्काल मूल्यांकन की आवश्यकता है। यदि आप अनिश्चित हैं, तो फिर भी कॉल करें।


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

General Hand Architecture

  • The hand is composed of 19 bones, 17 articulations, and 19 muscles situated entirely within the hand [2].
  • The hand contains approximately the same number of tendons activated by the forearm muscles as it has intrinsic muscles [2].
  • The hand functions as an organ designed to obtain information and an organ of execution [2].
  • The hand moves within a large volume of space with the shoulder as the apex, allowing it to reach any part of the body fairly easily due to the mobility of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist [2].
  • Distal to the elbow, the wrist and forearm function as a single physiological unit that places the hand in a position for grasping [2].
  • The open hand forms a balanced graceful oval in its longitudinal axis when fingers are extended and in contact [2].
  • The proximal carpometacarpal half of the hand is flattened, presenting two faces with unique anatomical and functional significance [2].
  • The posterior or dorsal aspect of the hand is convex, while the anterior, palmar or volar aspect is concave [2].
  • The distal half of the hand is separated into five digits that flex toward the palm [2].
  • The digits converge in closing by flexing and adducting, and diverge in opening by extending and abducting [2].
  • The thumb has a more proximal and lateral position than the four fingers, allowing movement inward and outward from the palm [2].
  • The four fingers are the distal extension of the carpometacarpal part of the hand [2].
  • The hinges for finger movement are located at the thenar crease and at the transverse distal palmar crease, not at the bases of the digits [2].
  • When fingers are extended and separated, their tips lie on the circumference of a circle whose center is the head of the third metacarpal [2].
  • The web space of the thumb is the largest and deepest among the digital web spaces [2].

Cutaneous Anatomy

  • Functional cutaneous units in the hand are similar to those described in the face [3].
  • One dorsal cutaneous unit extends from the wrist to the proximal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and the interphalangeal joint of the thumb [3].
  • The dorsal covering of the interphalangeal articulations forms a unique cutaneous unit characterized by a considerable excess of skin when digits are in extension [3].
  • The fine tight skin of the dorsal aspect of the middle phalanx forms a distinct cutaneous unit [3].
  • The dorsal integument of the distal phalanx is distinct due to the nail bed with its matrix [3].
  • The palm forms a cutaneous unit extending from the distal transverse crease of the wrist up to the transverse crease at the base of the digits [3].
  • The palmar integument is subdivided into two separate zones by the oppositional crease of the thumb, which constitutes the oblique axis of the hand [3].
  • The skin of the radial portion of the palm covers the thenar eminence and external part of the palm, is relatively well vascularized, and is the mobile portion [3].
  • The skin of the ulnar and distal portion covers the hypothenar eminence where skin has poor mobility [3].
  • The distal part of the palm beyond the transverse distal palmar crease acts as a true hinge at the level of the metacarpophalangeal articulations [3].
  • The central triangular part of the palm has fixed and poorly vascularized skin that covers almost directly the superficial palmar aponeurosis, which inserts into it [3].
  • The integument of the palmar face of the digits is subdivided into phalangeal units separated by digital flexion folds [3].
  • There are three digital flexion folds for the fingers and two for the thumb [3].
  • When a digit is completely flexed, the integument of adjacent phalanges comes into contact in the zones of the flexion creases, establishing areas of cutaneous contact in the form of a diamond [3].
  • The sides of the diamond-shaped cutaneous contact zones do not undergo variations in length during flexion and extension movements [3].
  • Incisions made along the lines of the diamond-shaped cutaneous contact zones present a minimal chance of retraction [3].
  • The web spaces are formed from the union of two nonsymmetrical cutaneous surfaces [3].
  • The dorsal slope of the web space has a gradual incline and its supple skin is not adherent to the subjacent region [3].
  • The palmar surface of the web space is flat and precipitously interrupted, with skin densely adherent to the commissural skeleton [3].
  • The commissural skeleton is formed by the interdigital palmar (natatory) ligament between the fingers and by the distal transverse ligament at the level of the thumb web [3].
  • The distal transverse ligament at the level of the thumb web is by far the deepest and the most mobile [3].

Intrinsic Musculature

  • There are seven interosseous muscles in the hand, consisting of four dorsal and three volar muscles [4].
  • The dorsal interossei are abductors [4].
  • The anatomic axis of the hand coincides with the axis of the third metacarpal [4].
  • The dorsal interossei lie to the radial side of the index and middle fingers and the ulnar side of the middle and ring fingers [4].
  • The little finger is abducted by the abductor digiti quinti [4].
  • The volar interossei are adductors [4].
  • The volar interossei lie to the ulnar side of the index finger and the radial side of the ring and little fingers [4].
  • The middle finger has two dorsal interossei (abductors) and no volar interossei (adductors) because the central axis of the hand lies within it [4].
  • Each dorsal interosseous muscle, with the exception of the third, has two muscle heads [4].
  • The superficial head of the dorsal interosseous muscles arises most dorsally from the shaft of the contiguous metacarpals [4].
  • The superficial head is inserted deeply by a medial tendon onto the lateral tubercle of the base of the proximal phalanx [4].
  • The superficial head abducts and weakly flexes the proximal phalanx [4].
  • The superficial head has no direct effect on the middle or distal phalanges [4].
  • The deep head of each dorsal interosseous muscle forms a lateral tendon, or lateral band, at the level of the MP joint [4].
  • The deep head flexes and weakly abducts the proximal phalanx while extending the middle and distal phalanges [4].
  • At the level of the middle of the proximal phalanx, transverse fibers arch dorsally from each lateral band to join each other over the dorsum of the finger [4].
  • These transverse fibers flex the proximal phalanx [4].
  • More distally, oblique fibers (spiral fibers) from the lateral bands sweep over the distal third of the proximal phalanx to insert onto the lateral tubercles at the base of the middle phalanx [4].
  • The oblique fibers extend the middle phalanx at the PIP joint [4].
  • The lateral bands are joined by the lateral slips of the extensor tendon to form the conjoined lateral band [4].
  • The two conjoined lateral bands to each finger unite at the distal third of the middle phalanx to form the terminal tendon [4].
  • The terminal tendon inserts at the base of the distal phalanx to extend it [4].
  • The flexor digiti quinti brevis is structurally and functionally similar to the deep head of the dorsal interossei [4].
  • The flexor digiti quinti brevis forms the ulnar lateral band of the little finger [4].
  • The three volar interossei arise from adjacent surfaces of contiguous metacarpal shafts [4].
  • Each volar interosseous muscle has only one muscle head [4].
  • None of the volar interossei insert onto the proximal phalanx [4].
  • The volar interossei form the ulnar lateral band of the index finger and the radial lateral band of the ring and little fingers [4].
  • The volar interossei send oblique or spiral fibers that insert onto the base of the middle phalanx at its lateral tubercle [4].
  • The abductor digiti quinti and flexor digiti quinti brevis are similar in both structure and function to the superficial and deep heads of the dorsal interossei, respectively [4].
  • The abductor digiti quinti and flexor digiti quinti brevis arise from the fifth metacarpal [4].
  • The abductor digiti quinti inserts onto the ulnar lateral tubercle at the base of the proximal phalanx of the little finger [4].
  • The flexor digiti quinti forms the ulnar lateral band [4].
  • The opponens digiti quinti lies deepest among the hypothenar muscles [4].
  • The opponens digiti quinti arises from the pisohamate ligament and the hook of the hamate [4].
  • The opponens digiti quinti inserts onto the ulnar side of the diaphysis of the fifth metacarpal [4].
  • The opponens digiti quinti flexes and supinates the fifth metacarpal [4].

Metacarpal and Arch Anatomy

  • The metacarpal arch is endowed with a great deal of adaptability because of the mobility of the peripheral metacarpals [7].
  • The peripheral metacarpals form the sides of the cup or the palmar gutter and can deepen the concavity as they approach each other [7].
  • The peripheral metacarpals are attached to the fixed element, which is the middle metacarpals [7].
  • The thumb metacarpal is independent and articulates with the trapezium [7].
  • The middle metacarpals are united to the carpus by the intrinsic interlocking encasement of the bones themselves [7].
  • The index metacarpal is the most firmly fixed [7].
  • The ring metacarpal is a transitional element to the fifth metacarpal and has about 10 degrees of mobility in flexion and extension [7].
  • The fifth metacarpal is semi-independent and articulates with the hamate [7].
  • The fifth metacarpal is restrained on its radial side by its articulation with the base of the fourth metacarpal [7].
  • The fifth metacarpal has a range of flexion–extension of approximately 20 degrees [7].
  • The second to fifth metacarpals are all bound together by various fibrous structures [7].
  • The most distal fibrous structure binding the second to fifth metacarpals is the deep transverse intermetacarpal ligament [7].
  • The deep transverse intermetacarpal ligament is better named the interglenoid ligament [7].
  • The interglenoid ligament ties together the anterior “glenoid ligaments” of the metacarpophalangeal articulations, known as the “volar plates” [7].
  • The longitudinal arches are composed of a fixed portion, the carpometacarpal, and a mobile portion, the digits [7].
  • There is a longitudinal arch for every ray [7].
  • The longitudinal arches diverge distally according to their different obliquities, with the thumb ray being the most divergent [7].
  • The keystones of the longitudinal arches are the metacarpophalangeal articulations [7].
  • The thick anterior glenoid capsules, known as volar plates, prevent hyperextension at the metacarpophalangeal articulations [7].
  • The volar plates are interconnected by the transverse interglenoid ligament [7].
  • The stability of the metacarpophalangeal joints is essential to the support of the longitudinal arch as well as of the transverse metacarpal arch [7].
  • The thumb ray has considerable mobility and independence [7].
  • The fifth ray has much less mobility and independence than the thumb [7].
  • The index ray has a certain degree of independence at the phalangeal level, owing to the arrangement of its flexor and extensor muscles, but not at the metacarpal level [7].

Vascular Anatomy

  • The arteries of the thumb vary in both size and number [8].
  • The layout of the thumb arteries is the result of innumerable variations regarding origin, transit, connections, and size [8].
  • The most common variations of the palmar arteries can be schematized by dividing the thumb into three segments defined by the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal flexion creases [8].
  • In the classical layout, the “princeps pollicis” artery, the terminal branch of the radial artery, crosses the first intermetacarpal space [8].
  • The “princeps pollicis” artery runs along the ulnar side of the first metacarpal bone and along the volar surface of the adductor muscle [8].
  • The “princeps pollicis” artery emerges onto the subcutaneous palmar tissue at the level of the cutaneous flexion crease of the metacarpophalangeal joint [8].
  • At the metacarpophalangeal joint level, the “princeps pollicis” artery divides into two terminal rami, namely the collateral palmar arteries of the thumb [8].
  • The collateral palmar arteries of the thumb run along the digital tunnel symmetrically and are of equal caliber [8].
  • The collateral palmar arteries head distally to finally unite in the pulp arcade [8].
  • During their transit in the digital tunnel, the collateral palmar arteries break off into numerous collateral branches, either cutaneous, articular, or osseous [8].
  • An arcade located deep in the flexor tendon joins together the two arteries at the level of the distal metaphysis of the first phalanx [8].
  • Vessels originating from the subtendinous arcade enter the “vincula” and irrigate the flexor tendon [8].
  • Only 15% of anatomical dissections fall into the category of the classical description of the palmar arteries of the thumb [8].
  • In the first segment of the thumb (between the opposition crease and the metacarpophalangeal flexion crease), it is rare to find arteries of surgical interest on the volar surface [8].
  • The artery in the first segment of the thumb is located deeply and is more easily accessible from the dorsal surface [8].
  • In the second segment of the thumb, the two arteries run alongside the flexor tendon and behind the collateral nerves [8].
  • In the second segment of the thumb, the main artery is the ulnar collateral artery [8].
  • The subtendinous anastomosis situated at the level of the neck of the first phalanx acts as a “moderator” between the two arteries in the second segment [8].
  • In cases where the palmar ulnar collateral artery is absent, the dorsal artery takes its place by means of a branch through the subtendinous arcade [8].
  • In the third segment (pulp segment) of the thumb, the two arteries are of similar size and run through the thick fatty subcutaneous padding [8].
  • In the pulp segment, the arteries cross over and convert into the ends of the digital nerves at the level of the median axis [8].
  • The posterior area of the thumb is vascularized by two arteries which originate from the palmar arteries (princeps, commissural, or anastomoses of the superficial arcade) at the level of the first metacarpal [8].
  • These dorsal arteries run laterally along the metacarpophalangeal joint and continue obliquely from volar to dorsal [8].
  • The dorsal arteries head in a distal direction remaining on the side of the two distal phalanges [8].
  • At the level of the neck of the first phalanx, an anastomosis can be found which originates from the palmar arteries for the dorsal supply [8].
  • The ulnar dorso-collateral artery generally stems from the “princeps pollicis” onto the medial border of the neck of the first metacarpal [8].
  • The ulnar dorso-collateral artery heads distally remaining on the lateral surface of the finger [8].

Surgical Approach Considerations

  • Distal palmar incisions are transverse as a rule [9].
  • In the proximal palm, incisions tend to be more longitudinal, with the distal end curving radially and paralleling the closest major skin crease [9].
  • An incision of any desired length can be made across the palm, provided that the underlying digital nerves and other vital structures are protected [9].
  • After the skin and underlying fat have been incised, the fat is dissected from the palmar fascia and is carried with the skin flaps [9].
  • Most of the vital structures in the palm are deep to the palmar fascia [9].
  • In the distal palm, structures lying between the metacarpal heads are not protected by the palmar fascia [9].
  • The superficial volar neurovascular arch should be protected when deeper exposure is required [9].
  • Incisions in the more proximal palm should parallel the thenar crease [9].
  • When extended proximal to the wrist, incisions should not cross the flexor wrist creases at a right angle [9].
  • The most important structure in the thenar area is the recurrent branch (motor) of the median nerve [9].
  • Anatomic studies have shown that there is no single longitudinal incision in the proximal palm that completely avoids the palmar cutaneous branches of the median and ulnar nerves [9].
  • The volar

Investigations

  • Clinical evaluation of the injured or dysfunctional hand and wrist requires combining patient history with a careful physical examination to pinpoint or narrow the scope of possible pathologic processes [1].
  • Diagnostic tests such as imaging and serum laboratory studies are useful in determining pathology but can be expensive, time consuming, and often nonspecific [1].
  • A careful physical examination is essential to direct care and future testing if indicated [1].
  • An 8-MHz Doppler tone assessment may be used to identify superficially displaced neurovascular bundles when Dupuytren cords lie beneath soft fleshy prominences [11].
  • False-negatives are possible with 8-MHz Doppler tone assessment for identifying neurovascular bundles [11].
  • MRI is probably most useful in identifying additional pathology such as flexor tendon bowstringing [11].
  • MRI may be helpful in providing a quantitative noninvasive measure of cellularity of affected areas, which is an index of biologic activity [11].
  • The potential of MRI as a staging tool based on cellularity measurement has not been investigated yet on a large scale [11].

References

[1] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Anatomy, Evaluation, Clinical Examination, and Imaging > Evaluation and Clinical Examination: Current Concepts.

[2] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. INTRODUCTION.

[3] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. Functional cutaneous units.

[4] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. Interosseous and Hypothenar Muscles.

[7] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. The arches of the hand > The metacarpal arch.

[8] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. Techniques of investigation of the arterial supply by J P Melki > Vascularization of the thumb > Palmar aspect.

[9] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. RESULTS OF SUTURE OF THE SCIATIC NERVE > PALMAR INCISIONS.

[11] Dupuytren S Disease And Related Hyperproliferative Disorders. 54. The Future of Dupuytren’s Research and Treatment > 54.4 Mechanical Measurements and Procedures > 54.4.4 Imaging.

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b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.


Creative Commons is not a party to its public licenses. Notwithstanding, Creative Commons may elect to apply one of its public licenses to material it publishes and in those instances will be considered the “Licensor.” The text of the Creative Commons public licenses is dedicated to the public domain under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. Except for the limited purpose of indicating that material is shared under a Creative Commons public license or as otherwise permitted by the Creative Commons policies published at creativecommons.org/policies, Creative Commons does not authorize the use of the trademark "Creative Commons" or any other trademark or logo of Creative Commons without its prior written consent including, without limitation, in connection with any unauthorized modifications to any of its public licenses or any other arrangements, understandings, or agreements concerning use of licensed material. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does not form part of the public licenses.

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