(dorsal artery of foot)
A main artery of the foot. It is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery as it crosses the ankle joint.
It supplies oxygenated blood to the dorsum of foot.
It arises from the anterior tibial artery, and ends near the first intermetatarsal space, where it divides into the first dorsal metatarsal artery and deep plantar artery.
(Clinical significance)
The dorsalis pedis artery is accompanied by the medial branch of the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve, which lies lateral to it.
Therefore, a mistake can occur when injecting anaesthetic into the deep peroneal nerve. Ultrasound can be used to help avoid the artery.
Peripheral nerve block is accomplished by injecting a local anesthetic near the nerve controlling sensation or movement to the area of the body requiring surgery.
Accidental intravascular injection of local anesthetic can lead to serious complications, including seizure and cardiac arrest.
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