Posterior Tibial Artery

VESSEL PATHWAY

The posterior tibial artery is a branch from the popliteal artery

Aorta → Common Iliac → External Iliac → Common Femoral → Superficial Femoral → Popliteal → Posterior Tibial Artery

Image source

This artery eventually branches into the:

  • Medial plantar artery
  • Lateral plantar artery
  • Fibular artery
FUNCTION

This artery carries blood to the posterior compartment of the leg and the plantar aspect of the foot.

CAUSES OF INJURY
CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF INJURY
OTHER INFO

Palpating the posterior tibial (PT pulse) of the foot can be done to evaluate on physical exam how well the lower extremity is being perfused.  This pulse can be palpated behind and slightly below the medial malleolus of the ankle on the medial aspect of the lower extremity.

Example of palpating the “PT” (image source).

 

 

Page updated: 07.01.2018