The medial plantar artery: anatomy and implications in local flaps of the foot

Abstract

The medial plantar artery (MPA), as a terminal branch of the posterior tibial artery, provides perfusion to the musculature of the medial compartment of the plantar foot as well as cutaneous branches to the skin. The artery and its perforators serve as the foundation for several flaps based on various soft tissue components for the coverage of small defects of the foot. Most noteworthy is the fasciocutaneous flap, which utilizes the skin and the unique properties of the plantar foot. Understanding the anatomical relationship of the terminal branches of the MPA, the superficial and deep branches, is necessary in determining the type of tissue and the flap design to be utilized for reconstruction.