Cadaveric Study on the Branching Pattern of Profunda Femoris Artery and its Circumflex Branches

Introduction: Variation of the profunda femoris artery and its branches are not uncommon. Since profunda femoris artery (PFA) is the chief artery supplying the thigh; knowledge of its variations is very important for any surgical procedure of the thigh. Materials and method: 24 lower limbs were dissected and the following points were noted. The relation of profunda femoris artery at its origin from the femoral artery was noted.The distance of the site of the origin of the profunda femoris from the midpoint of the inguinal ligament was measured. Also the sites of origin of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) were noted and the distance of site of origin of each of them from the origin of profunda femoris artery were also measured. Results: Majority of profunda femoris artery arise from a posterolateral aspect of femoral artery at a distance of 21-41mm away from the midpoint of inguinal ligament. Whereas majority of lateral circumflex femoral artery arise from the lateral aspect of profunda femoris artery at a distance of 11-40mm away from the origin of profunda femoris. Majority medial circumflex femoral artery arises from the medial aspect of femoral artery at a distance of 11-30mm away from origin of the profunda femoris artery. Conclusion: Knowledge of variations in the origin of these arteries is very important for surgeons while performing surgical procedures in the thigh to avoid complications.