Abstract:

Objective　To provide anatomical basis for repairing the skin defect about lateral plantar area.　Methods　The anatomic study was carried out on 35 sides of adult cadaveric foot which were perfused with red latex. With the help of surgical microscope (×10) , we observed the vessel which is the anastomosis of arterial arch at the superior border of hallucal abductor and the medial branch of deep branch of medial plantar artery , and then measured its location, diameter, length.　Results　The anastomosis of arterial arch at the superior border of hallucal abductor and deep branch of medial plantar artery at the medial border of the medial cuneiform bone, which we named the medial foot arcuate artery. The frequency of the medial foot arch artery was 82.8%（29 sides）.The external diameter was (0.65±0.21) mm. The length was （2.63±0.71）cm. The medial foot arcuacte artery was absent in six cases. The frequency was 17.2%(6 sides).　Conclusion　The medial plantar island flap pedicled with the medial foot arch artery can be used to repair the skin defect on the lateral plantar area.

Key words: Island flap, Medial tarsal artery, Anterior medial malleolus artery, Deep branch of medial plantar artery