The dorsalis pedis is the dorsal foot artery and one of the two standard peripheral vascular assessment pulse points (with the posterior tibial). Its palpability at the dorsum of the foot between the EHL and EDB tendons indicates adequate anterior tibial artery perfusion. The dorsalis pedis free flap provides thin reliable skin for hand and foot reconstruction based on this artery.
| Origin | Continuation of the anterior tibial artery at the ankle joint line |
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The dorsalis pedis pulse is absent in up to 5% of normal individuals as an anatomical variant, making bilateral comparison essential. In peripheral vascular disease, the DP pulse is often the first distal pulse to be lost. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) uses the DP or posterior tibial artery Doppler signal compared to the brachial artery to assess peripheral arterial disease severity.
Absent or diminished dorsalis pedis pulse with reduced ABI indicating peripheral arterial disease requiring further vascular assessment and revascularisation planning.
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