Variation in branching pattern of dorsalis pedis artery- A cadaveric study

Abstract

Background: The main artery in the lowermost part of the foot is the Dorsalis Pedis Artery (DPA). It feeds the foot's dorsum with nourishment. Peripheral vascular disorders must be diagnosed with DPA palpation. Various reconstructive techniques use dermatological flaps from DPA branching.

Methodology: The morphometry, asymmetry, and gender differences of DPA and its branching structures were examined in 50 meticulously dissected lower limbs from both sides and individuals of known sex. We searched for variations such as additional lateral tarsal arteries and lack semi-circular arteries.

Results: In 12% of cases, there was no arcuate artery. In 4% and 16% of cases, correspondingly, there were three and two tarsal plantar arteries identified. Two limbs showed an exceptionally unusual instance of a U-shaped loop connecting two tarsal metatarsal arteries.

Conclusion: Uncommon abnormalities such as the absence of the arcuate artery and the many tarsal arteries connected by a U-shaped loop seen in our research are significant for reconstructive procedures using DPA flaps.