Variational anatomy of the deep femoral artery

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Surgery
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• The deep femoral artery (profunda femoris artery) is vital for reconstructive surgery in the proximal leg.
• Understanding its branching variations is essential for surgical success and avoiding complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and classify the anatomical variations in the branching patterns of the deep femoral artery and its circumflex branches.
• To provide surgeons with detailed anatomical data and visual references for improved surgical planning.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of 100 legs to meticulously examine the origin and branching patterns of the deep femoral artery.
• Classification of observed anatomical variations based on precise measurements from anatomical landmarks.

Main Results:

• The deep femoral artery typically originates 4.4 cm (median) from the inguinal ligament.
• The lateral circumflex artery showed significant origin variability, arising 1.5 cm (median) from the deep femoral origin when branching from it.
• The medial circumflex artery originated from the deep femoral in 63% of cases, but arose separately from the common femoral in 26% of cases, proximally to the deep femoral origin.

Conclusions:

• Significant anatomical variations exist in the origin and branching of the deep femoral artery and its circumflex branches.
• Awareness of these variations is critical for vascular surgeons performing reconstructive procedures in the proximal leg.
• The study provides essential anatomical data and diagrams to aid surgeons in preoperative assessment and surgical execution.