Dorsal Metacarpal Arteries, Posterior View

Description

Posterior (dorsal) hand anatomy is rendered with the metacarpal shafts and phalanges forming the bony scaffold while the dorsal metacarpal arteries run longitudinally in the intermetacarpal spaces. Each vessel course tracks distal from the dorsal carpal network toward the metacarpal heads, positioned deep to the dorsal venous channels and closely applied to the periosteal surface between adjacent metacarpals. Distally, the dorsal metacarpal arteries give off dorsal digital branches that pass toward the sides of the fingers near the metacarpophalangeal joints. Bones and vessels are keyed to each other. Dorsal metacarpal artery anatomy matters when planning dorsal approaches to the metacarpals and metacarpophalangeal joints, where plate fixation, extensor tendon procedures, and incision placement can jeopardize the dorsal interosseous compartment’s arterial supply. Injury or spasm of these vessels can complicate wound healing on the dorsum, and they also contribute to collateral circulation with the palmar metacarpal arteries via perforating branches, a relationship often tested in crush injuries and complex hand trauma. For flap design and revascularization planning, the deep, intermetacarpal course shown here clarifies why dissection stays centered between metacarpal shafts rather than drifting superficially into the dorsal venous network. Hand surgery teaching files, anatomy lab manuals, and vascular mapping figures for operative atlases benefit from this posterior perspective because it pairs dorsal skeletal landmarks with the arterial pathways used as intraoperative reference. It also supports exam preparation in upper limb anatomy blocks and objective structured clinical teaching on dorsal hand lacerations and compartment considerations. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.