The posterior tibial recurrent artery is a small and inconstant branch of the anterior tibial artery. It arises in the back of the leg before the anterior tibial artery passes through the interosseous membrane. It runs upward in front of popliteus to join the inferior genicular arteries in the anastomosis around the knee.
| Origin | Anterior tibial artery in the posterior compartment, before it passes through the interosseous membrane (inconstant) |
|---|---|
| Course | Ascends in front of popliteus, deep to it, to anastomose with the inferior medial and lateral genicular arteries |
| Branches |
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This artery is one of the links in the genicular anastomosis, which can supply the leg through collateral channels when the popliteal artery is gradually narrowed or blocked. It also supplies the proximal tibiofibular joint and the upper part of popliteus. Because it is small and variable, its main importance is as part of the collateral circulation seen on angiography.
In slowly developing popliteal artery blockage, the recurrent and genicular arteries enlarge to carry blood around the obstruction. Sudden occlusion, as in knee dislocation, does not allow time for this, so the limb is threatened.
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