The pattern of venous drainage of the digits.

The transosseous injection of colored latex through 36 fingers demonstrated that the venous system consists of a series of arcades on the dorsal and palmar surface of the digit with connecting oblique and transverse anastomotic veins. The caliber of the palmar veins was smaller than that of the dorsal and their route did not consistently run with the digital artery and nerve. Venous channels were also found in the vincula. The anastomotic veins and especially the commissural veins provide a venous return for the digit if the major dorsal system has been divided.