Anatomical characterization of the intraosseous arteries of the porcine tibia

INTRODUCTION: Tibial fractures have a high rate of post-fracture complications. Blood supply is recognized as a positive factor in tibial fracture healing. However, it’s difficult to assess blood supply damage after tibial fracture because of the lack of understanding of the tibial intraosseous arteries. This study aimed to delineate and anatomically characterize porcine tibial intraosseous arteries, as a model for the human system. METHODS: Twenty right calf specimens with popliteal vessels were prepared from ordinary Landrace pigs. Epoxy resin was perfused into the vasculature from the popliteal artery. After 24 h, casts of the intraosseous arteries of the tibia were exposed through acid and alkali corrosion. The distribution and anatomy of the exposed intraosseous arteries were observed and measured under a microscope, and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen complete specimens were obtained. The medullary artery bifurcated into the main ascending and descending branches, which each split into two upward primary branches that further divided into 1–3 secondary branches. Among all specimens, 56 ascending and 42 descending secondary branches, which were all ≥0.3 mm in diameter. Furthermore, the horizontal plane was divided into three zones—safety, buffer, and danger zones—according to the probability of the presence of intraosseous artery. DISCUSSION: The cast perfusion and corrosion approach was successfully applied for anatomical characterization of the intraosseous arteries of the porcine tibia. These observations provide a theoretical basis for understanding the tibial vasculature in humans and will facilitate the establishment of novel “safe corridor” in the tibia for the protection of the blood supply during surgery.