The posterior tibial artery of the lower limb is an artery that carries blood to the posterior compartment of the leg and plantar surface of the foot. It branches from the popliteal artery via the tibial-fibular trunk.
Structure
The posterior tibial artery arises from the popliteal artery in the popliteal fossa. It is accompanied by a deep vein, the posterior tibial vein, along its course. It passes just posterior to the medial malleolus of the tibia, but anterior to the Achilles tendon.
Branches
The posterior tibial artery gives rise to:
- medial plantar artery.
- lateral plantar artery.
- fibular artery, It is easily palpated over Pimenta's Point.
Nerve block
The posterior tibial artery is used as a landmark for the tibial nerve as both structures enter the foot. Local anaesthetic is injected either side of the artery distal to the flexor retinaculum of the foot, close to the calcaneus.