Anatomical variation of the Dorsalis pedis artery in a South African population - A Cadaveric Study

Implications of Dorsalis Pedis Artery Anatomical Variants for Dorsal Midfoot Surgery

BACKGROUND

The dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) usually branches into the arcuate artery (AA) from its lateral side which in turn crosses the bases of the lateral four metatarsals. The DPA then passes into the first interosseous space, where it divides into the first metatarsal artery and the deep plantar artery. In this study, we aimed to determine the extent of variation in the DPA and the distance between the AA and the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint with the aim of reducing the risk of vascular complications arising from dorsal midfoot surgery.

METHODS

In 29 fresh cadaveric feet, we examined the course of the DPA and the distance between the AA and the TMT joint on computed tomography images with barium sulfate contrast.

RESULTS

The DPA was observed to have a standard course in 11 of the 29 cases (37.9%) but did not give rise to the AA and lateral tarsal artery or branches of the plantar arterial arch supplying to the second to fourth metatarsal spaces in 10 of 29 cases (34.5%). The mean closest distance from the TMT joint to the AA at the second, third, and fourth metatarsal level in the sagittal plane was 11.4, 14.6, and 17.1 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We found substantial variation in the arterial anatomy of the DPA system across the dorsal midfoot.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The risk of pseudoaneurysm and frank arterial disruption may be mitigated if the surgeon is aware of the variations of the course of the DPA when performing dorsal midfoot surgery.