Extraosseous and Intraosseous Arterial Supply to the First Metatarsal and Metatarsophalangeal Joint

Abstract

The extraosseus and intraosseous circulation to the first ray was evaluated by means of vascular injection techniques. The first metatarsal and metatarsophalangeal joint receive their blood supply from the first dorsal metatarsal artery, the first plantar metatarsal artery, and the superficial branch of the medial plantar artery. These three source arteries provide variable numbers of branches to the base, shaft, and head of the first metatarsal. Ramifications of branches to the head form an extensive capsular network that is more consistent and abundant on the dorsal and lateral aspects of the joint.

The source of intraosseous vascularity consists of a diffuse network of fine periosteal arteries enveloping the diaphysis of the metatarsal, a single nutrient artery that perforates the first metatarsal at the lateral aspect of the shaft distally, and a system of metaphyseal and capital arteries that appear to constitute a major source of blood supply to the metatarsal head.