THE PLANTAR ARCH REVISITED

In 20 random cadaveric feet, the arterial plantar arch, its anastomosi s with the medial plantar artery, and the communication between the la teral plantar and the dorsal arteries of the foot were studied. The an atomic variations found in this material are described and illustrated . The presence of a ''classic'' anastomosis between the medial and lat eral plantar arteries was observed in only 20 percent of cases. The '' classic'' conjunction of the dorsal artery with the lateral plantar ar tery was found in 95 percent of cases. The authors conclude that most variations in the contributions to the plantar arch have not been prev iously reported, and these may have clinical consequences.