The dorsum of the hand: focus on topographic anatomy

Silvia Scevola; Marco Saler; Angela Faga; Giovanni Nicoletti

doi:10.57662/am.v11i3.17214

The dorsum of the hand: focus on topographic anatomy

Authors

Silvia Scevola Advanced Technologies for Regenerative Medicine and Inductive Surgery Research Center, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Marco Saler Integrated Unit of Experimental Surgery, Advanced Microsurgery and Regenerative Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Angela Faga Advanced Technologies for Regenerative Medicine and Inductive Surgery Research Center, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Giovanni Nicoletti Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.

Keywords:

Hand dorsum, topographic anatomy, hand ageing, aesthetic medicine

Abstract

Introduction: The anatomy of the hand has traditionally been described primarily from a functional standpoint. However, aesthetic and anti-ageing interventions for hand rejuvenation require a precise and comprehensive understanding of anatomy. Recent investigations into hand anatomy have been conducted with greater methodological refinement than earlier studies, as classical cadaveric dissections are now complemented by high-resolution ultrasonography and other advanced imaging modalities. These approaches have led to the identification of previously unrecognised anatomical features.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study is to provide a detailed description of the topographic anatomy of the dorsal aspect of the hand, with a particular focus on its clinical relevance for physicians performing aesthetic and age-related procedures. The analysis was deliberately restricted to the dorsum of the hand, which represents the most common site of minimally invasive rejuvenation techniques.

Methods: In addition to standard anatomical reference texts, we conducted a systematic search of PubMed-indexed literature using the terms ‘hand dorsum’ combined with ‘topographic anatomy’, ‘hand ageing’, and ‘aesthetic medicine.’ Thirty relevant publications, published between 1933 and 2023, were identified.

Results: The topographic anatomy of the dorsum of the hand can be conceptualised as a multilayered arrangement of overlapping structures. These layers are separated by vertical fibrous septa that delineate compartments containing critical anatomical elements such as tendons, vascular branches, and neural structures.

Conclusions: A detailed description of this layered configuration is provided in the following sections.

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