radial vein

The radial vein is a deep vein of the forearm that accompanies the radial artery along the lateral aspect of the forearm. It drains blood from the lateral structures of the forearm, the carpal and metacarpal bones, joints of the hand, and lateral forearm muscles, joining the ulnar vein to form the brachial vein.

The radial vein runs along the lateral (radial) side of the forearm, adjacent to the radial artery, deep to the forearm muscles. It travels from the wrist and hand proximally to the cubital fossa at the elbow, where it joins the ulnar vein.

The radial vein collects deoxygenated blood from the lateral forearm, wrist, hand joints, and carpal and metacarpal bones, returning it to the deep venous system. Together with the ulnar vein, it forms the brachial vein, contributing to venous return from the upper limb.

The radial vein may be involved in upper extremity deep venous thrombosis or may be damaged in forearm trauma or laceration. It is also relevant in venous access procedures. Clinical evaluation and imaging are used to assess venous conditions in the forearm.

Doppler ultrasound is the primary tool for evaluating the radial vein, particularly to assess patency and detect thrombosis. CT or MR venography can provide more detailed vascular mapping. The radial vein is directly identified during surgical dissection of the forearm.