Index Radial Digital Artery and Vein Exam

  • The radial and ulnar digital arteries of the fingers are too small to palpate on examination.
  • The function of the radial and ulnar digital arteries of the fingers can be evaluated by checking capillary refill.
  • The radial and ulnar digital artery capillary refill can also be evaluated with the digital Allen test.
  • Additionally, a Doppler exam can be used to check the radial and ulnar digital artery pulses.
  • The digital arteries of the fingers are on the ulnar and the radial side of the flexor tendon sheath between the volar Grayson’s and the dorsal Cleland’s ligaments.
  • The digital vena comitantes are too small to see or palpate on exam.
Diagrams & Photos
  • The radial and ulnar digital arteries of the index finger.
    The radial and ulnar digital arteries of the index finger.
  • Compressing capillary bed of finger pulp.
    Compressing capillary bed of finger pulp.
  • Empty (white) capillary bed of finger pulp.
    Empty (white) capillary bed of finger pulp.
  • Refilled(red) capillary bed of finger pulp.
    Refilled(red) capillary bed of finger pulp.
Key Points
  • The proximal, middle (intermediate), and distal transverse digital arches provide arterial connections between the radial and ulnar digital arteries.
  • The middle (intermediate) and distal transverse digital arches are located near the C1 and C2 pulleys respectively.
  • The proximal, middle (intermediate), and distal transverse digital arches are dorsal to the flexor tendons.
  • The transverse vascular arches of the digits allow the use of distally based island flaps during finger reconstruction procedures.
Grading of Muscle Strength
Exam References
Anatomic Abbreviations
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