What is the main supply of blood to the talus?

• A. Artery of tarsal canal
• B. Posterior tibial artery
• C. Dorsalis pedis artery
• D. Anterior tibial artery

Answer: (A)

The primary blood inflow to the talus comes from the artery of the tarsal canal, a branch of the posterior tibial artery that enters the talus through the tarsal canal in its posterior aspect. This vessel is the main supplier to the talar body and forms the key vascular source for the talus, with additional but supplementary contributions from the artery of the sinus tarsi (often arising from the dorsalis pedis or perforating peroneal arteries) to surrounding regions. While the posterior tibial, dorsalis pedis, and anterior tibial arteries contribute to the overall vascular network of the foot, the artery of the tarsal canal provides the principal supply to the talus. This arrangement helps explain why fractures of the talar neck or disruptions around the tarsal canal can significantly jeopardize talar viability and lead to avascular necrosis.