Delayed Repair of Ulnar Artery at the Distal Forearm.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of patency after delayed repair of the ulnar artery following primary ligation. Methods: Adult patients with primary ligation of the injured ulnar artery at the forearm who had a delayed repair of the artery were included. Postoperative arterial patency was determined by either physical examination or color Doppler ultrasonographic imaging. Postoperative complications and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were recorded. Results: Eight consecutive patients during a 3-year period were included. The mean age was 35 years. Four cases were women. The surgery was performed at a mean of 5 days after the injury and ligation. At a mean follow-up of 22 months, 7 patients had a patent artery. One patient suffered a hematoma. Conclusions: A high rate of patency can be obtained after delayed repair of the ulnar artery at the forearm.