Anomalous origin of dorsalis pedis artery and its clinical significance

Abstract

Arterial variations of the lower limb have been reported in the past. However, we report in here a very unusual variation. During routine dissections, an anomalous origin of the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) was noted on the right foot of an adult male cadaver. In here, the arteries of the crural region arose from the popliteal artery, as usual. However, the anterior tibial artery (ATA) was very slender. The peroneal artery (PA) was larger than usual and reached the anterior compartment of the leg by piercing the interosseous membrane at its lower part. In the foot, the ATA joined with the PA to form the DPA. Knowledge of such type of variations in the anatomy of DPA is important for angiographers, vascular surgeons and reconstructive surgeons who operate upon these regions.