Hartmann's boutonniere: An anatomical study of digital neural loop penetrations in the palm

We found neural loop penetrations by digital arteries in 47 of 51 dissected palms. They were classified into four types according to morphology. The m ost frequent type was observed in the proper digital nerves of the second t o fourth interdigital spaces just after branching from the common digital n erves. If neural loop penetrations are not carefully identified at operatio n they may be damaged and therefore it is important for hand surgeons to re cognize the existence of these structures.