J Reconstr Microsurg 1995; 11(2): 125-128
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006519
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

The Plantar Arch Revisited

Ibo van der Haven, J. Joris Hage, Lucien Poliacu Prose
  • Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Academic Hospital of the Free University, and Laboratory for Anatomy and Embryology, Medical School of the Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1994

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

In 20 random cadaveric feet, the arterial plantar arch, its anastomosis with the medial plantar artery, and the communication between the lateral plantar and the dorsal arteries of the foot were studied. The anatomic variations found in this material are described and illustrated. The presence of a “classic” anastomosis between the medial and lateral plantar arteries was observed in only 20 percent of cases. The “classic” conjunction of the dorsal artery with the lateral plantar artery was found in 95 percent of cases. The authors conclude that most variations in the contributions to the plantar arch have not been previously reported, and these may have clinical consequences.