The posterior tibial artery pulse is felt inferior and posterior to which landmark?

• A. Medial malleolus
• B. Lateral malleolus
• C. Distal talus
• D. Navicular tubercle

Answer: (A)

The pulse of the posterior tibial artery is best felt behind and just below the medial malleolus. This artery travels in the tarsal tunnel directly posterior to that bony landmark, between the flexor tendons as it moves toward the sole. To palpate it, place your fingers behind and a little inferior to the medial malleolus and feel for a rhythmic pulse. The medial malleolus is the key landmark for locating this pulse, whereas the other nearby landmarks—the lateral malleolus, distal talus, or navicular tubercle—do not sit along the artery’s path and won’t yield the posterior tibial pulse in that spot.