Anatomical study of dorsalis pedis artery and its clinical correlations

Abstract

To evaluate patients with arterial disease, palpation of peripheral arterial pulse is commonly used. In lower limb, palpation of dorsalis pedis artery is used to evaluate the arteriosclerotic diseases. Dorsalis pedis artery is the main source of blood supplyto the foot. A knowledge about the origin, course and branching pattern of this artery is essential, as it forms the stem for one of the major myocutaneous flaps, used for ankle surgeries in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Fifty free lower limbs were dissected and the origin, course and branching pattern of dorsalis pedis artery were studied. 50 free lower limbs were collected from the anatomy dissection hall. The dorsalis pedis artery was dissected and its origin, course and branching pattern were studied. In the present study dorsalis pedis artery was found to have a normal course and branching pattern in 56%, variation in origin in 8%, variation in branching pattern in 16%, absence of the artery in 2% and duplication in 2% of the specimens studied. As variation in dorsalis pedis artery is not uncommon, it is essential to have a sound knowledge about the artery. It is advisable to have preoperative angiography for any abnormality, to prevent risks during surgical intervention.