Variations of the origin of the arcuate artery.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the origin of the arcuate artery.

Methods: This cadaveric study was performed on 20 feet from ten cadavers of both sexes (age range, 61-94 years).

Results: The results indicate that the arcuate artery originated from the dorsalis pedis artery in 13 of 20 specimens (65%) and from the lateral tarsal artery in 6 of 20 (30%), and a variation in origination was noted in 1 of 20 specimens (5%).

Conclusions: This cadaveric study demonstrates that the arcuate artery can originate from the dorsalis pedis artery, the lateral tarsal artery, and one other variant. The dorsal arterial network of the lower extremity is important to consider during the overall clinical and surgical assessment of a patient.