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Safety area for proximal metatarsal procedures.
Bavornrit Chuckpaiwong1, Ekkapoj Korwutthikulrangsri
1Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. chuck003@gmail.com
Foot & Ankle International
|February 9, 2013
Summary
This study defines a safe surgical zone for proximal metatarsal procedures, crucial for avoiding vascular injury to the deep plantar artery during forefoot surgery.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Surgical Safety
- Vascular Anatomy
Background:
- Forefoot and tarsometatarsal surgery often involves the first and second metatarsals via the intermetatarsal space.
- Previous research has not established a defined safety area for proximal metatarsal bone surgery to prevent vascular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify the safe anatomical area surrounding the proximal metatarsal bones.
- To provide data to prevent vascular injury to the deep plantar artery during surgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Dissection and measurement of the dorsalis pedis artery in 122 embalmed cadaver feet (31 female, 33 male; age range 15-91 years).
- Measurements included distances from the artery to the first tarsometatarsal joint and the plantar surface of the second metatarsal bone.
Main Results:
- The average distance from the dorsalis pedis artery to the first tarsometatarsal joint was 23.1 mm (range, 12-31 mm).
- The average distance from the artery to the most plantar surface of the second metatarsal bone was 6.3 mm (range, 3-13 mm).
Conclusions:
- A triangular safety area of approximately 69 mm² is identified for proximal metatarsal procedures.
- This anatomical data on the deep plantar artery's location aids surgeons in performing safer proximal metatarsal procedures.
