Dorsalis Pedis Artery as a Continuation of Peroneal Artery—Clinical and Embryological Aspects

Aim: To report a rare case of continuation of the peroneal artery as dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) in the foot.Background: Peripheral arterial system of the lower limb especially the DPA is commonly used to diagnose the peripheral arterial diseases.Case report: During the routine dissection of a formalized right lower limb of a 52-year-old male cadaver the arterial system of the lower limb was dissected and studied.The popliteal artery (PA) divided into anterior and posterior tibial arteries (PTA) at the lower border of the popliteus muscle.The peroneal artery, branch from the posterior tibial artery was found larger than usual.It ran downward laterally and after piercing the lower part of interosseous membrane continued as dorsalis pedis artery on the dorsum of the foot.The PTA had a normal course and divided distally into medial and lateral plantar arteries.However, the anterior tibial artery (ATA) was hypoplastic and terminated at the level of the talocrural joint.The arterial system of the left lower limb was found to be normal. Conclusion:The present arterial variation around the ankle is important to the vascular and orthopedic surgeons to prevent the occurrence of any complications during arterial reconstructive surgeries. Clinical significance:The knowledge of present variation by the vascular surgeons and radiographers help them to diagnose arterial injury for taking vascular graft and embolectomy procedures.