Anatomy

BACKGROUND: Ian Taylor introduced the angiosome concept, separating the body into distinct three-dimensional blocks of tissue fed by source arteries. Understanding the angiosomes of the foot and ankle and the interaction among their source arteries is clinically useful in surgery of the foot and ankle, especially in the presence of peripheral vascular disease. METHODS: In 50 cadaver dissections of the lower extremity, arteries were injected with methyl methacrylate in different colors and dissected...

The Achilles tendon is the most frequently ruptured tendon in the lower limb and accounts for almost 20% of all large tendon injuries. Despite numerous published studies describing its blood supply, there has been no uniformity in describing its topography. The current study comprises a detailed anatomical study of both the intrinsic and extrinsic arterial supply of the Achilles tendon, providing the detail sought from studies calling for improved planning of surgical procedures where damage to the vascularity of the Achilles tendon is likely...

BACKGROUND: Lateral ankle ligament injuries rank among the most frequently observed athletic injuries, requiring repair or reconstruction when indicated. However, there is a lack of quantitative data detailing the ligament attachment sites on standard radiographic views. PURPOSE: To quantitatively describe the anatomic attachment sites of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) on standard radiographic views with respect to reproducible osseous landmarks to assist with intraoperative and postoperative assessment of lateral ankle ligament repairs and reconstructions...

BACKGROUND: Osteotomies of the fifth metatarsal may disrupt the nutrient artery and result in nonunion. The location of the nutrient artery foramen relative to the location of common osteotomies has not been described. The goal of this study was to describe the vascular supply of the proximal fifth metatarsal, including the artery of origin of the nutrient artery and the location of the nutrient artery foramen. METHODS: Fifty-six adult cadaver specimens were amputated below the knee...

BACKGROUND: The role of the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) in the clubfoot deformity remains unclear. We conducted an anatomical study to precise its topography and role in maintaining tibiotalar equinus in patients with clubfoot deformity. METHODS: Ten ankles were dissected using a wide posterior exposure. The PTFL was identified at the posterior aspect of the ankle and its relations with other anatomical structures were noted. RESULTS: After opening of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints, the superior aspect of the PTFL was clearly seen, running horizontally from the fibula to a prominent tubercle on the posterior surface of the talus...

There is neither consensus on the number nor agreement on the location of the anatomic compartments of the foot. This project utilized high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify foot compartments. The purpose of this study was to devise a new system using 3-Tesla (3T) MRI that assessed the number and location of these compartments. Six feet from healthy volunteers were imaged. From these, 10 compartments were described: (1) medial, (2) calcaneal, (3) lateral, (4) central superficial, (5) central deep (adductor), (6-9) interossei, and (10) skin...