Fibular artery
Arteria fibularis (peronea)
Also known as: peroneal artery
The fibular (peroneal) artery is the largest branch of the posterior tibial artery. It runs down close to the fibula in the deep posterior compartment of the leg and supplies the lateral leg, the fibula and the heel.
Overview
The fibular artery arises from the posterior tibial artery about 2.5 cm below the lower border of popliteus. It runs down toward the fibula, between tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus, close to the interosseous membrane. Its branches go to the muscles of the deep and lateral compartments and to the fibula, through the fibular nutrient artery. A perforating branch passes through the interosseous membrane to join the anterior lateral malleolar artery. It ends in lateral calcaneal branches.
In peripheral arterial disease, particularly in diabetes, the fibular artery is often the last open artery in the leg and serves as a target for bypass grafts.
Anatomy
- Branches
Muscular branches, the nutrient artery of the fibula, a perforating branch, a communicating branch to the posterior tibial artery, and lateral malleolar and calcaneal branches.
Function
- Supplies the lateral (fibular) compartment muscles, the deep posterior muscles, the fibula and the lateral heel.
Clinical significance
Free fibula flap
The fibula can be taken with the fibular artery and its veins as a free flap, a block of living bone, for reconstructing the mandible. Preoperative imaging must confirm that the foot will still be supplied by the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.