Anatomic characterization of the tibial and fibular nutrient arteries in humans.

The location of nutrient foramina has been extensively studied in long bones; however, accurate information on the origin and extra-osseous course of the nutrient artery remains clearly defined in some long bones, although it is crucial to protect the nutrient arteries during operative procedures. In this study, we elucidated the origin and extra-osseous course of tibial and fibular nutrient arteries based on the 54 cadaveric legs. The tibial nutrient artery typically arose from the posterior tibial artery.