Calcaneal branches of fibular artery
Rami calcanei arteriae fibularis
The terminal branches of the fibular artery, passing behind the lateral malleolus to supply the lateral and back parts of the heel.
At a glance
- English
- Calcaneal branches of fibular artery
- Latin (TA2)
- Rami calcanei arteriae fibularis
- System
- Artery
- Region
- Foot
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the calcaneal branches of fibular artery
The fibular (peroneal) artery runs down the back of the leg close to the fibula and, near the ankle, ends by breaking into calcaneal branches. These are often called the lateral calcaneal branches, to set them apart from the medial calcaneal branches of the posterior tibial artery. They arise just above or behind the lateral malleolus and pass downwards behind it, onto the lateral surface of the calcaneus.
From there they spread over the lateral and posterior aspects of the heel. They supply the skin, the fat and the periosteum of this part of the calcaneus, and the soft tissue near the insertion of the calcaneal tendon. Along the way they lie near the sural nerve and the small saphenous vein, which also pass behind the lateral malleolus, and the fibular tendons in their sheaths.
The branches take part in two anastomoses. Behind and below the heel they join the calcaneal branches of the posterior tibial artery in a network over the calcaneus, the calcaneal anastomosis. Around the lateral malleolus they connect with the lateral malleolar branches of the anterior tibial artery and with the perforating branch of the fibular artery, contributing to the lateral malleolar network. These links mean the heel is supplied from more than one source.
The lateral calcaneal artery matters most in surgery for calcaneal fractures. The traditional extensile lateral approach lifts a flap of skin from the side of the heel, and that flap depends on this artery; if it is damaged, the corner of the wound may fail to heal. Surgeons therefore plan the incision to stay clear of its course.
Course and supply
- Arises from
- The terminal division of the fibular artery, just above and behind the lateral malleolus.
- Ends in
- End in the calcaneal anastomosis and the lateral malleolar network on the lateral and posterior heel.
- Supplies
- Supply the skin, fat and periosteum of the lateral and back parts of the heel and the lower calcaneal tendon region.
Anthromica
See the calcaneal branches of fibular artery where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
