Which pulse is located just behind the medial malleolus of the ankle?

Which pulse is located just behind the medial malleolus of the ankle?

• A. Dorsalis pedis pulse
• B. Radial pulse
• C. Temporal pulse
• D. Posterior tibial pulse

Answer: (D)

In assessing peripheral pulses, an important landmark helps you locate the pulse on the lower leg: the artery behind the medial malleolus. The posterior tibial artery travels in a groove just behind and slightly inferior to the medial malleolus, under the flexor retinaculum. To palpate it, have the patient relax the foot and place the pads of your fingers posterior to the medial malleolus, a little inferior to it, and feel for a rhythmic tapping. This pulse reflects distal perfusion of the lower leg and foot and is commonly used to evaluate vascular status, especially when screening for arterial insufficiency. For comparison, the pulse on the dorsum of the foot is the dorsalis pedis, the pulse at the wrist is the radial pulse, and the pulse at the temple is the temporal pulse.

In assessing peripheral pulses, an important landmark helps you locate the pulse on the lower leg: the artery behind the medial malleolus. The posterior tibial artery travels in a groove just behind and slightly inferior to the medial malleolus, under the flexor retinaculum. To palpate it, have the patient relax the foot and place the pads of your fingers posterior to the medial malleolus, a little inferior to it, and feel for a rhythmic tapping. This pulse reflects distal perfusion of the lower leg and foot and is commonly used to evaluate vascular status, especially when screening for arterial insufficiency. For comparison, the pulse on the dorsum of the foot is the dorsalis pedis, the pulse at the wrist is the radial pulse, and the pulse at the temple is the temporal pulse.