Abstract:

Objective　 To investigate anatomic basis of minimum skin flap supplied with the dorsal artery of great toe.　Methods　20 sides of adult foot specimen, including 18 sides perfused with red emulsion and 2 sides with Chinese ink, were dissected for observing the courses and distribution of dorsal artery of great toe.　Results　The dorsal artery of great toe originated from the first dorsal metatarsal artery, with 4 to 7 cutaneous branches, and the diameter of (0.9±0.2)mm. The diameter of the dorsal artery of great toe originated from the first dorsal metatarsal artery was more wide than that of from the first plantar metatarsal artery, despite that the diameter of the latter was always exceeded about 0.5mm.　Conclusions　The dorsal artery of great toe is a favorable choice for being taken as nutrient artery of fibular, dorsal skin flaps or great toe skin-nail flaps, for its stable course and distribution.

Key words: Dorsal artery of great toe, Dorsal skin flap of great toe, Great toe skin-nail flap, Applied anatomy