Temporal pulse - The temporal pulse (i.e., superficial temporal artery) is palpated on the temple directly in front of the ear with the index finger.Īpical pulse - The unilateral apical pulse (i.e., apex of the heart) can be located in the fifth intercostal space immediately to the left of the sternum using a stethoscope. TRAUMATIC ANEURYSM OF POSTERIOR TIBIAL ARTERY, WITH FOOT-DROP Ian Macpherson, M.D. extremity starts with palpating pedal pulses (posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis arteries). been established.2 Absent dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses have a sensitivity. The Posterior Tibial tendon is important in supporting the arch of your foot during weight bearing activity. Triphasic waveform (LT PTA left posterior tibial artery). Posterior tibial pulse - The posterior tibial pulse is palpated posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus by gently pressing the tibial artery against the underlying bone with the middle and index fingers.ĭorsalis pedis pulse - The dorsalis pedis pulse is palpated in the groove between the first and second toes slightly medial on the dorsum of the foot (i.e., dorsal-lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon and distal to the dorsal prominence of the navicular bone) with the middle and/or index fingers. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the US. The posterior tibial artery pulse site is assessed to check blood circulation of the foot. Popliteal pulse - The popliteal pulse is palpated on the posterior knee with the middle and index fingers this pulse is more difficult to palpate as compared to other pulse sites. Radial artery pulse - The radial pulse is palpated immediately above the wrist joint near the base of the thumb (i.e., common site), or in the anatomical snuff box (i.e., alternative site), by gently pressing the radial artery against the underlying bone with the middle and index fingers.įemoral pulse - The femoral pulse is palpated over the ventral thigh between the pubic symphysis and anterior superior iliac spine with the middle and index fingers. The brachial artery pulse is commonly used to measure blood pressure with a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer.

Carotid artery pulse - The common carotid artery is palpated on the neck below the jaw and lateral to the larynx/trachea (i.e., mid-point between your earlobe and chin) using the middle and index fingers.īrachial artery pulse - The brachial artery is palpated on the anterior aspect of the elbow by gently pressing the artery against the underlying bone with the middle and index fingers. The ABI is performed by measuring the systolic blood pressure from both brachial arteries and from both the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries after the patient has been at rest in the supine position for 10 minutes. Morrison, H., et al: A Study of the Dorsalis Pedis and Posterior Tibial Pulses in 1,000 Individuals Without Symptoms of Circulatory Affections of the Extremities, New Engl.