The lateral calcaneal artery: Anatomic basis for planning safe surgical approaches

The proximity of the lateral calcaneal artery (LCA) to surgical incisions applied to the lateral hindfoot makes it vulnerable to iatrogenic injury and subsequent postoperative skin necrosis. This study aimed to investigate the course of the LCA and to define anatomical points that can be used by surgeons during lateral approaches to the calcaneus. Thirteen leg-ankle-foot specimens were dissected and the superficial course of the LCA was outlined by three anatomic points: (a) tip of lateral malleolus, (b) the point where it pierces the deep fascia, and (c) the point where it crosses the line connecting the lateral malleolus with the insertion of Achilles tendon. Fifteen healthy volunteers were investigated by color Doppler ultrasound where the diameter and depth of LCA were measured. The LCA pierced the deep fascia at a maximum height of 4.5 cm (mean 3.78) above the midpoint of a line extending from the lateral malleolus to the insertion of Achilles tendon. It crossed the previous line at a maximum distance of 3 cm (mean 2.6) posterior to lateral malleolus. At this point, its mean diameter was 1.75 mm on the right and 1.73 mm on the left sides, while its mean depth was 7.73 mm on the right and 8.0 mm on the left sides. A dangerous triangle that contained the superficial course of the artery was mapped out in the lower lateral part of the leg. This triangle should be considered during surgical approaches applied to the lateral hindfoot to avoid damage of the LCA.