A rare variation in course and distribution of dorsalis pedis artery: a case report

The dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) is usually described as a continuation of the anterior tibial artery (ATA). It turns into the sole and participates in plantar arch formation at the base of the first interphalangeal space.

After dissecting the lower limb of a 44 year old male cadaver، it was revealed that the dorsalis pedis artery is passing to the lateral of the foot. It had changed its direction to the medial of the foot as a arcuate artery.

Awareness of these variations is very important for specialist to prevent the artery from any damages in surgical techniques، such as ankle arthroscopy. On the other hand، attention to these variations is very essential in diagnosing of common iliac artery thrombosis.