Variation in Branching Pattern of Dorsalis Pedis Artery- A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Background: The present study was conducted to assess the variation of the branching pattern of the dorsalis pedis artery. Subjects and Methods: The present cadaveric study was conducted on 46 lower limbs of both genders. Dorsalis pedis artery was identified and tracked down, the origin, branching pattern and the course were noted. Results: Out of 46 limbs, 26 were of males and 20 were of males. Type A was seen in 24, B in 8, C in 3, D in 3, E in 2, F in 1, G in 1, H in 1, I in 1 and J in 2 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that the Dorsalis pedis artery has variations in branching patterns. The most common type identified was typed A.

Implications of Dorsalis Pedis Artery Anatomical Variants for Dorsal Midfoot Surgery

“…For example, Kulkarni and Ramesh 13 found that the DPA followed the standard course in only 15.2% of cases, which is lower than the rate in our study. In contrast, our prevalence rate was lower than previously reported rates of 52%, 20 53.3%, 28 54.7%, 19 56%, 26 65.6%, 4 67.5%, 14 and 67.5%. 10 Moreover, 3 further studies have reported rates of 90%, 25 96%, 23 and 98% 21 ; however, these high rates for the standard anatomical course of the DPA are questionable because they are so far away from the findings of the majority of other researchers.…”

“…AA with a high origin was found at rates of 1.6% in the study by Kaur et al, 11 3.3% (as type E) in the report by Chepte and Ambiye, 5 and 4% (as type E) in the study by Sadeesh and Prabavathy. 20 These rates are comparable with ours. EI-Saeed et al 6 reported a rate of 30%, which is much higher and might reflect ethnic variation in foot and ankle anatomy.…”

“…We also observed a type 1 variant that we classified as type 1b in 4 cases (13.8%) where the plantar arterial arch supplied the second metatarsal space and the LPA supplied the third and fourth metatarsal spaces. This variant was identified in 5% of cases in the study by Chepte and Ambiye 5 and in 6% of cases in the study by Sadeesh and Prabavathy, 20 which they described as a type C variant. These rates are lower than the rate in our study.…”

“…There are many reports of variations in the standard branching pattern of the DPA. 5,10,15,17,19,20,22 The Lisfranc joint, also known as the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint, can be fused in patients with osteoarthritis or injury. Marks et al 16 and Alberta et al 1 compared the use of plates and screws for fusion of the TMT joints during loading.…”

“…There are many reports of variations in the standard branching pattern of the DPA. 5,10,15,17,19,20,22…”