Abstract:

  Objective    To group arteries of arterial arch at the superior border of the hallucal abductor according to their constitutes and provide anatomical basis for reverse bifolicated flap based on it.　Methods　The constitute, track-way and distribution of arterial arch at the superior border of the hallucal abductor were observed and analyzed on 81 lower limbs cast specimens and 2 fresh feet specimens perfused with red latex. Results　According to their constitute , arterial arch can be classified into 3 types: ①typeⅠ, constituted mainly by the branch of anterior medial malleolus artery and/or the medial tarsal artery, with the occurrence rate of 22.9% (19 case); ②typeⅡ, constituted mainly by the superficial branch of the medial plantar artery, with the occurrence rate of 3.6%(3 case); ③type Ⅲ, constituted mainly by the superficial branch of the medial plantar artery anastomosed with the branch of anterior medial malleolus artery and the branch of medial tarsal artery, which can be further divided into 2 subtypes according to the different anastomosis of the artery: directly and indirectly. The direct type was about 48.2% (40 case), with the forming of arterial arch from the anterior medial malleolus artery and/or the medial tarsal artery anastomosed directly with the superficial branch of the medial plantar artery. The indirect type was about 24.1%(20 case), with the forming of the arterial arch from the arterial circle ,which anastomosed by the branch of anterior medial malleolus artery, the branch of medial tarsal artery and the superficial branch of the medial plantar artery.　Conclusions　Arterial arch at the superior border of the hallucal abductor can be classified into 3 types: The type of anterior medial malleolus and medial tarsal arteries, the type of superficial branch of the medial plantar artery, and the type of the mixed. Furthermore, mixed one can be subclassified to the direct and indirect types according to the different anastomosis of arteries.

Key words: Adductor hallucis, arterial arch, Anterior medial malleolus artery, The medial tarsal artery, Blood vessel grouping