Long Ulnar 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 common digital arteries originating from the superficial palmar arch. Distally the common digital arteries divide into the radial and ulnar proper digital arteries.
    The common digital arteries originating from the superficial palmar arch. Distally the common digital arteries divide into the radial and ulnar proper digital arteries.
  • 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
Hand Surgery Resource Exams & Signs Library