Three-dimensional analysis of the arterial patterns of the lateral plantar region

Abstract

I have focused on the branch of the fibular plantar superficial artery, and investigated the anatomical basis for three-dimensional analysis of the arterial patterns of the lateral foot. Forty adult human feet from cadavers were used in the study, 23 men and 17 women. The fibular plantar superficial artery was found in all cases. The mean (SD) diameter of the fibular plantar superficial artery was 1.3 (0.2) mm (n=40). The mean (SD) number of the branches of the fibular plantar superficial artery was 2.5 (0.9) arteries (n=40). The mean (SD) diameter of the branches of the fibular plantar superficial artery was 0.6 (0.1) mm (n=40). I think that a skin flap that involves the vessels of the branches of the fibular plantar superficial artery can be constructed from the lateral dorsum of the foot, and this procedure may be useful for a reconstructive surgeon confronted with a difficult case of skin loss under the fifth metatarsal head.

• Lateral plantar artery
• fibular plantar superficial artery
• lateral plantar flap
• anatomy