Dorsalis pedis artery

Dorsalis pedis artery is a blood vessel of the lower limb that carries oxygenated blood to the dorsal surface of the foot, from the anterior tibial artery. It is palpable in 50% of individuals and can be examined by healthcare providers to assess the vascular status of the limb in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Anatomy

The dorsalis pedis artery arises at the level of the ankle joint and is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery. It passes over the dorsum of the foot and runs from the anterior part of the ankle-joint to the proximal part of the first intermetatarsal space, where it divides into two branches, the first dorsal metatarsal artery and the deep plantar artery.

Clinical significance

The dorsalis pedis artery pulse can be palpated readily lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon (dorsal foot), and examined by healthcare providers to assess the vascular status of the limb in patients with peripheral vascular disease. The absence of a dorsalis pedis artery pulse can be a sign of peripheral arterial disease, but can also be due to anatomical variation in up to 10% of the population.

See also

• Anterior tibial artery
• First dorsal metatarsal artery
• Deep plantar artery
• Peripheral vascular disease

References

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