Plantar Arch

31 Plantar Arch

T. Rodt, M. Lee

The plantar arch is formed by the lateral plantar artery and the deep plantar branch of the dorsalis pedis artery. In only 1% of all cases (Fig. 31.8) is there no connection between these two arteries. Normally, one artery is obviously the feeding vessel, and the areas supplied by the plantar (P) or dorsal (D) arteries can be distinguished. The plantar arch is comparable to the deep palmar arch, in which the major supply also comes from the dorsal side (radial artery). A superficial arch as occurs in the palm is rarely found in the planta pedis: a major superficial plantar arch occurs in approximately 2% of all and small anastomoses in approximately 25% of all cases.¹^–⁴

31.1 Origin of the Plantar Metatarsal Arteries

Fig. 31.1 All four plantar metatarsal and common digital arteries, respectively, are derived from the lateral plantar artery (7%). Schematic (a), and lateral and plantodorsal DSA (b,c). Supply by anterior tibial artery via dorsalis pedis artery (yellow marks), plantar supply (red arrows) by posterior tibial artery (red lines) and communicating branch (green arrow).

Fig. 31.2 The first plantar metatarsal artery derives from the deep plantar branch (6%). Schematic (a), lateral and plantodorsal DSA (b,c). Supply by anterior tibial artery via dorsalis pedis artery (yellow marks), plantar supply by posterior tibial artery (red marks) and communicating branch (green arrow).

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue