The study of arterial anastomotic branches in ankle and foot and the design of flap anastomosed reversedly with the anterior or posterior tibial artery

Objective:To investigate the calibers of anastomotic branches among the anterior tibial artery,the posterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery in ankle and foot,in order to make clear the anatomic basis of flap which was anastomosed to the distal stump of the anterior tibial vessels or the posterior tibial vessels with reversed flow.Methods:46 legs of fresh adult cadavers were involved.Red plastic was perfused into the anterior tibial artery to make cast specimen.The configuration and inner caliber of anastomosis branches among the anterior tibial artery,the posterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery in ankle and foot were observed.Results:There are many anastomosis branches among the anterior tibial artery,the posterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery in ankle and foot.Anastomotic branch passing through the plantar arterial arch and ramus plantaris profundus between the anterior tibial artery and the posterior tibial artery was the widest,its inner caliber was 2.3 mm.Conclusion: As long as communication among the anterior tibial artery,the posterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery in ankle and foot was not destroyed,when the anterior tibial vessels or the posterior tibial vessels was embolized or broken due to posttraumatic lesion,distal stump of the anterior tibial artery or the posterior tibial artery can be used in recipient site of flap also.