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6125972 
Journal Article 
Variations in terminal branches of the popliteal artery: cadaveric study 
Kang, TL; Chelliah, S; Velappan, RD; Kabir, N; Olewnik, L; Labetowicz, P; Podgorski, M; Polguj, M; Ruzik, K; Topol, M 
2019 
1 
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
ISSN: 0930-1038
EISSN: 1279-8517 
41 
12 
1473-1482 
English 
31134299 
WOS:000496304500011 
INTRODUCTION: Identifying the branching pattern of the popliteal artery (PA) is a vital step in planning radiological and surgical procedures involving the anterior and posterior tibial and fibular arteries. The aim of this study was to characterize the course and morphology of the terminal branches of the PA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anatomical variations in the branching patterns of the anterior and posterior tibial and fibular arteries were examined in 100 lower limbs fixed in a 10% formalin solution. A dissection of the popliteal region of the leg was carried out according to a pre-established protocol, using traditional techniques. Morphometric measurements were then obtained twice by two researchers.

RESULTS: In most cases (72%) the PA divides to form the anterior tibial artery (ATA) and a common junction for the posterior tibial and fibular arteries (type I), which further splits into the fibular artery and the posterior tibial artery (PTA). This type was subdivided into two subgroups according to whether the ATA (subgroup a) or the common junction of the posterior tibial and fibular arteries (subgroup b) had the larger diameter. Other identified variations included division of the PA into the ATA and PTA-8% (type II), trifurcation-12% (type III), the division of the PTA into the ATA and FA-8% (type IV), and aplasia of the PTA-8% (type IV).

CONCLUSION: Although the typical PA branching type was observed, it can be classified further into two additional sub-types based on the diameter of the ATA and the common junction of the posterior tibial and fibular arteries. 
The popliteal artery; The anterior tibial artery; The fibular artery; The posterior tibial artery; The tibial-fibular trunk; New classification