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Published on: October 7, 2021
Anatomic study of infrapopliteal vessels
D Lappas1, N A Stavropoulos, G Noussios
1Department of Anatomy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
This study analyzed infrapopliteal artery variations in 100 cadavers. Anatomical variations, particularly in the posterior tibial and anterior tibial arteries, were observed in 10% of cases, impacting lower extremity procedures.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Anatomy
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- The infrapopliteal vessels are crucial for lower limb perfusion.
- Understanding anatomical variations is vital for vascular and orthopedic procedures.
- Previous studies highlight the prevalence of variations in lower limb vasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and classify anatomical variations in the branching patterns of infrapopliteal arteries.
- To document the frequency and types of variations observed in a human cadaver sample.
- To emphasize the clinical significance of these variations for invasive lower extremity techniques.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of 100 formalin-fixed adult cadavers.
- Systematic analysis of the branching patterns of the popliteal, posterior tibial, anterior tibial, and peroneal arteries.
- Classification of observed variations based on established anatomical criteria.
Main Results:
- Normal popliteal artery branching observed in 90% of specimens.
- Variant branching patterns identified in 10% of cases.
- Specific variations included hypoplastic/aplastic posterior tibial artery (3%), hypoplastic/aplastic anterior tibial artery (1.5%), and a dual origin of the dorsalis pedis artery (2%).
- Variations were noted to be more frequent in females and shorter individuals.
Conclusions:
- Anatomical variations of infrapopliteal vessels are relatively common.
- Knowledge of these variations is essential for surgeons and interventionalists performing procedures on the lower extremities.
- Awareness of variant anatomy can help prevent complications and improve procedural outcomes.
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