Arch Hand Microsurg.  2026 Mar;31(1):48-54. 10.12790/ahm.25.0021.

Hypoplastic posterior tibial artery overlooked as a posttraumatic vascular injury: two case reports

• Lee NH
• Park JK
• Shin JY
• Chung YK
• Roh SG

• KMID: 2578271
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.25.0021

Abstract

We frequently encounter patients who require soft tissue reconstruction following orthopedic surgery, often due to injuries such as traffic or pedestrian accidents. During these cases, we occasionally identify a vascular anomaly, which may be mistakenly attributed to the trauma itself. The presence of a vascular anomaly poses a substantial challenge for reconstructive surgeons performing free flap surgery that relies on microvascular structures. Our experience with patients who have hypoplasia of the posterior tibial artery is particularly valuable, as it can provide important insights into the selection of surgical methods and procedures.

Keyword

Tibial arteries; Anatomic variation; Free tissue flaps