Anatomical variations in 3D imaging: A case report of a dorsal metacarpal artery anomaly
Shin-Yun Chen,
Wei-Ta Chen,
Tsorng-Harn Fong,
Jiun-Lin Horng,
Cheng-Ying Chu,
Haojan Yang,
Tien-Chun Yang
Affiliations
Shin-Yun Chen
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
Wei-Ta Chen
Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan; Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
Tsorng-Harn Fong
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
Jiun-Lin Horng
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
Cheng-Ying Chu
TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; CRISPR Gene Targeting Core Lab, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
Haojan Yang
Boren San Ti Ya Aesthetic medical group, Hangzhou 311122, China
Tien-Chun Yang
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan; Corresponding author. Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No.250, Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 110, Taiwan.
This report presents a novel anatomical variant of the second dorsal metacarpal artery (SDMA). In this unique case, the SDMA abnormally penetrates the second dorsal interosseous muscle (SDIM), dividing into two major branches. A deep dorsal branch of the SDMA (dbSDMA) is located within the SDIM and extends to the distal end of the metacarpal. The other branch forms a perforating branch called the P-SDMA, which anastomoses with the palmar metacarpal artery branch (PMAb) and the deep palmar arch branch (DPAcb) in the deep palmar area. The discovery of this SDMA variant is significant for procedures involving complex hand surgeries such as DMA flaps. Understanding this anatomical variation is crucial for accurate surgical planning and can help avoid potential complications during surgery. To elucidate these unique variations, we employ three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques, demonstrating the potential of these technologies to advance the visualization of anatomical structures and enhance medical education. 3D imaging also facilitates augmented reality applications and 3D printing. Our findings underscore the possible applications of 3D imaging in medical practice and education, potentially transforming anatomy education and surgical planning.
