Unilateral Anomalous Origin of Dorsalis Pedis Artery From Peroneal Artery in a Cadaver

In normal anatomy, the anterior tibial artery is typically the first branch of the popliteal artery before it becomes the tibioperoneal trunk. The normal course of the anterior tibial artery includes piercing through the interosseus membrane and continuing through the anterior compartment. It then continues onto the dorsum of the foot as the dorsalis pedis artery at the level of the malleoli. We describe a unique case of an anomalous origin of the dorsalis pedis artery from the peroneal artery. It is important for vascular surgeons to be aware of this variant while interpreting arteriograms of the lower extremity. It can be easily misinterpreted as an occluded distal anterior tibial artery with reconstitution of the dorsalis pedis artery from the collaterals.