The microvascular anatomy of the metatarsal bones: a plastination study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to categorize and systematize the arterial supply of the metatarsal bones and furthermore the observation of arterial lesions after frequently performed forefoot surgeries.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-two cadaver feet were analyzed by two plastination methods and the enzyme maceration method. Five forefoot surgeries were performed after arterial injections.
Results: The bases of the metatarsal bones were primarily supplied by dorsal and plantar arteries. The arterial supply of the metatarsal diaphysis was given by a frequently observed nutrient artery. The first plantar metatarsal artery was the main supply of the first metatarsal head. The plantar and dorsal metatarsal arteries supplied the lesser metatarsals heads. The forefoot surgeries revealed lesions of arteries in all cases.
Conclusions: The plastination methods were excellent methods to analyze the arterial supply. In addition arterial damage after forefoot surgeries could be analyzed with these methods.