Anatomic, histologic, and ultrasound analyses of the dorsum of the hand for volumetric rejuvenation

Abstract

Background: Volumetric rejuvenation of the dorsum of the hand with fat grafting or injectable fillers has increased in popularity in recent years. It has become widely accepted that the dorsum of the hand contains three fatty laminae: superficial, intermediate, and deep laminae. The dorsal venous plexus and dorsal cutaneous nerves are known to reside in the dorsal intermediate lamina. However, the superficial vein and cutaneous nerve might not be located in the same layer of subcutaneous tissue, as is the case in other body regions.

Materials and methods: Eight hands were dissected in a layer-by-layer fashion from the skin to the extensor tendons. In another 13 hands from among 21 investigated cadavers, samples from the dorsum of the hand were harvested and stained using trichrome stains for histologic analysis. B-mode ultrasound was also performed for identifying structures of the dorsum of the hand.

Results: Anatomic dissection and histologic analysis of the dorsum of the hand revealed the presence of an unknown fascia in addition to the three known fascial layers. The additional fascia was located in the dorsal intermediate lamina and separated it into two compartments: one containing the dorsal venous plexus superficially and the other containing the dorsal cutaneous nerves deeply. Ultrasound showed corresponding structures including three hyperechoic fascial layers, three hypoechoic laminae, and additional hyperechoic fascia in dorsal intermediate lamina.

Conclusions: Accurate anatomic knowledge of the dorsum of the hand will help practitioners determine the optimal and safe locations for performing fat grafting and injecting dermal fillers.