A Unique Case of ‘Superficial’ Posterior Tibial Artery – Anatomical and Clinical Considerations

Abstract 

We report a unique dissectional case of ‘superficial’ posterior tibial artery, unknown in anatomical and surgical literature. Arising from the popliteal artery, the aberrant posterior tibial artery coursed medially and passed between the tendons of the soleus and the medial head of gastrocnemius muscles. Covered by the crural fascia, the variant artery descended along the medial border of the tibia, parallel to the great saphenous vein. The arterial variation described here, though rare, could present some diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the field of vascular surgery.

Keywords: Posterior tibial artery, Variation, Clinical importance, Human