Work

Microsurgical anatomy of the dorsalis pedis and first dorsal metatarsal artery in Vietnamese adults: A cadaveric study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background The dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) and first dorsal metatarsal artery (FDMA) are important vascular structures of the foot and first web space used in reconstructive procedures. Anatomical variations may affect pedicle dissection and flap design. This study characterized the anatomy and morphometric features of the DPA and FDMA in Vietnamese adult body donors. Methods Fifty feet from 25 Vietnamese adult body donors were dissected using ×4 loupe magnification. The DPA and FDMA were exposed from their origins to their distal branches, and their origins, courses, branching patterns, and relationship to the first dorsal interosseous muscle were recorded. Arterial length was measured along the vessel using a thread and ruler, while vessel diameter was measured with a Palmer caliper with 0.1-mm precision. The midpoint of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was used as the anatomical landmark for positional measurements. Results The DPA originated from the anterior tibial artery in 49 feet (98%) and from the deep plantar artery in 1 foot (2%). The FDMA originated from the DPA in 48 feet (96%), the deep plantar artery in 1 foot (2%), and the plantar arterial arch in 1 foot (2%). Mean DPA length was 7.61 ± 1.16 cm. Mean FDMA length was 5.44 ± 0.83 cm. Mean FDMA diameter at its origin was 1.84 ± 0.36 mm and at its termination was 1.54 ± 0.35 mm. The FDMA followed Type B (deep) and Type A (superficial) courses in 92% and 8% of feet, respectively; no Type C pattern was observed. Conclusions The DPA–FDMA vascular pattern was predominantly classical, although variations in arterial origin and FDMA course were identified. These findings provide anatomical data that may assist reconstructive microsurgical planning.

Source: Translational Research in Anatomy

DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2026.100535