The arterial supply of the thumb, first web and index finger and its surgical application.

A detailed examination of twenty cadaver hands has been carried out in order to elucidate the arterial blood supply of the thumb, first web, and index finger, relating this to revascularization, replantation and possible flaps in that area. The vessels are described in turn, and it is demonstrated that the terms "princeps pollicis" and "arteria radialis indicis" are misnomers. The results of the dissections are compared to those of others and the differences recorded.