Dorsalis pedis

The dorsalis pedis artery is the principal dorsal artery of the foot.

Summary

location: dorsal surface of the foot, running towards the first dorsal interosseous space
origin: direct continuation of the anterior tibial artery
termination: as the first dorsal metatarsal artery
branches: deep plantar artery, lateral tarsal artery and arcuate artery
relations: usually palpable between extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus tendons

Gross anatomy

Location

The dorsalis pedis artery originates at the level of the distal tibia between the medial and lateral malleoli as the direct continuation of the anterior tibial artery . It runs superficially on the dorsal surface of the forefoot, over the talus and navicular towards the first dorsal interosseous space, where it continues as the first dorsal metatarsal artery.

Branches

From distal to proximal, its principal branches are:

deep plantar artery – anastomoses with the deep plantar arch
arcuate artery
lateral tarsal artery

Relations

On the dorsal midfoot, the dorsalis pedis artery runs between the tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus. It passes deep to the extensor retinaculum.

Variant anatomy

The dorsalis pedis artery is rarely congenitally absent in ~2% of healthy individuals .

Clinical importance

As it is so superficial and relatively consistent in position, it is easily palpable as part of an examination of the peripheral arterial system. Impalpable dorsalis pedis pulse is a sign of arterial insufficiency.