[Significance of arterial anastomoses of the distal calf and proximal foot for compensation of peripheral arterial occlusive disease]. / Bedeutung von arteriellen Anastomosen am distalen Unterschenkel und proximalen Fuss zur Kompensation der peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit.

The vascular anatomy of the distal calf and proximal foot was studied in 16 preparations obtained by corrosion. Arterial anastomoses between the different vessels are frequently observed and were also detected by digital subtraction arteriography in 14 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The comparison between anatomy and arteriography revealed that performed anastomoses in the malleolar and proximal foot region are important for compensating crural arterial occlusions. The Ramus communicans posterior, the Ramus perforans of the fibular artery and the Rete calcaneare play an important role. Whereas in other vascular territories collaterals dominate for compensation of occlusions performed anastomoses are of crucial importance at the malleolus.