What is the main supply of blood to the talus?

What is the main supply of blood to the talus?

• A. Artery of tarsal canal
• B. Posterior tibial artery
• C. Dorsalis pedis artery
• D. Anterior tibial artery

Answer: (A)

The talus depends on a single, delicate blood supply, with the main source being the artery of the tarsal canal. This vessel arises from the posterior tibial artery and enters the talus through the tarsal canal, delivering the majority of the blood to the talar body and much of the neck. This limited, mainly retrograde flow explains why talar fractures can risk avascular necrosis: the talus has relatively few robust collateral connections, so disruption of this primary artery has a big impact. Branches from the dorsalis pedis or perforating peroneal arteries can supply other parts of the talus, but they are not the primary supplier. The posterior tibial artery is the larger parent vessel, but the direct, dominant supply to the talus comes specifically from the artery of the tarsal canal.

The talus depends on a single, delicate blood supply, with the main source being the artery of the tarsal canal. This vessel arises from the posterior tibial artery and enters the talus through the tarsal canal, delivering the majority of the blood to the talar body and much of the neck. This limited, mainly retrograde flow explains why talar fractures can risk avascular necrosis: the talus has relatively few robust collateral connections, so disruption of this primary artery has a big impact.

Branches from the dorsalis pedis or perforating peroneal arteries can supply other parts of the talus, but they are not the primary supplier. The posterior tibial artery is the larger parent vessel, but the direct, dominant supply to the talus comes specifically from the artery of the tarsal canal.