Anatomic variations of the dorsalis pedis artery: A cadaveric study

Abstract

The dorsalis pedis artery (DPA), along with its variable branching pattern, was examined in cadaver feet. The occurrence and anatomical relationships of the DPA and its branches is of importance to clinical health care professionals for the vital role it plays in many diagnostic and corrective procedures. The DPA, a direct continuation of the anterior tibial artery, provides a lateral tarsal, a media tarsal and an arcuate branch before terminating in the 1st interosseous space by giving rise to the plantar and the dorsal metatarsal arteries.In this study, the DPA was present in all 18 feet examined as a continuation of the anterior tibial artery. Its first branch, the lateral tarsal, was noted in 94% of the cadaveric feet and originated an average of 22 mm distal to the origin of the DPA. The medial tarsal was found in 89% of the feet and originated an average of 49 mm to the origin of the DPA. The arcuate artery was the most variable branch, being present in 9 of the 18 feet examined. The two terminal arteries (first dorsal metatarsal and deep plantar) were present 94% and 89% of the time. In summary, the arcuate artery was the most variable of those studied, and the lateral tarsal artery was the most consistent branch of the DPA.