The deep plantar arch in humans: constitution and topography

The integrity of the various structures within the feet depends on their bl ood supply. Lesions of the feet often require revascularization, which if s uccessful avoids the need for amputation. To provide greater anatomical det ail to aid vascular surgery and imaging, the anatomy and constitution of th e deep plantar arch was studied in 50 adult cadaveric feet. The arteries of the foot were injected with red neoprene latex and dissected under magnifi cation. The deep plantar arch, present in all feet, was the result of anast omosis between the deep plantar artery and the deep branch of the lateral p lantar artery. The deep plantar artery was predominant in 72% of specimens (Type I arches) and the lateral plantar artery in 22% (Type II), with the c ontribution being equal in 6% (Type III). The medial plantar artery contrib uted to the medial segment of the deep plantar arch by its deep branch in 1 2% of specimens. The distance between the deep plantar arch and each interd igital commissure was generally constant, averaging 29% of total foot lengt h. The deep plantar arch was located in the middle third of the foot in all specimens. being in the distal part of this third in 90%. The deep plantar arch is, therefore formed mainly by the deep plantar artery, a branch of t he dorsal artery of foot: its location can be estimated if foot length is k nown.