Dorsal Carpal Arch, Posterior View

Description

Running transversely across the dorsum of the wrist, the dorsal carpal arch (arcus carpeus dorsalis) forms an anastomotic arterial curve over the dorsal surfaces of the carpal bones and deep to the extensor tendons. Contributing branches from the radial artery and ulnar artery meet near the distal radius and ulna, then give rise to dorsal metacarpal arteries that course distally in the intermetacarpal spaces toward the bases of the proximal phalanges. Proximal to the arch, the dorsal carpal branches sit inferior to the distal radioulnar region, while distally the vascular tree fans laterally and medially across the second through fifth metacarpals. Small connections into a dorsal carpal plexus are suggested around the capsule and intercarpal ligaments. Clean anatomy. A posterior view of the dorsal carpal arch matters because it clarifies how the hand maintains perfusion when one forearm vessel is compromised and where dorsal metacarpal arteries can backfill the palmar system through perforating branches. Surgeons planning a radial forearm flap, radial artery harvest, or dorsal wrist approach for scapholunate repair pay attention to these dorsal carpal branches, since iatrogenic injury can produce troublesome bleeding or contribute to postoperative ischemia in patients with limited collateral flow. The same arterial pattern explains why lacerations across the dorsum of the wrist can bleed briskly even when the palmar arches remain intact. Use this illustration in upper limb anatomy teaching (gross anatomy or regional anatomy), in hand surgery atlases detailing dorsal approaches, and in procedural education on vascular assessment of the wrist, including collateral circulation concepts relevant to Allen testing and arterial line placement. It also suits clinical publishing on dorsal wrist trauma, flap planning, and anastomosis patterns between radial and ulnar distributions. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.