Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2025

Methods for Acute and Subacute Murine Hindlimb Ischemia
Published on: June 21, 2016
Variations in the branching pattern of the internal iliac artery and its implications in trauma and surgery - a South
Satheesha Nayak Badagabettu1, Ashwini Aithal Padur1, Surekha Devadasa Shetty1
1Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Background:
The internal iliac artery (IIA) frequently shows variations in its branching pattern. Knowledge of its variations is helpful during gynecological and orthopedic surgical procedures.
Objectives:
To observe the branching pattern of IIA in the human pelvises and discuss its clinical implications.
Methods:
The study was conducted on 80 male hemipelvises (40 left halves and 40 right halves). The pelvic halves were obtained by making mid-line saw cuts through formalin embalmed adult human cadavers aged approximately 50-80 years. The IIA were dissected and cleaned. Variations of the internal iliac artery and its branches were noted. Relevant photographs were taken. Results were expressed as percentages.
Results:
Variations in the branching pattern were observed in 49 (61%) hemipelvises (right: 21, left: 28). Variations were more common (48%) in the branching pattern of the anterior division of IIA than the posterior division (20%). Variations of the main trunk were observed in 29% of cases. In 3% of cases, the IIA did not divide into two divisions. Among the individual branches, the iliolumbar artery showed variations in 29% of cases and the obturator artery in 25%. A common trunk of the internal pudendal and middle rectal arteries was found in 24% of cases and variations of the inferior gluteal artery were seen in 18% of cases.
Conclusions:
The study showed a high rate of occurrence of variant IIA branching patterns. Understanding the anatomical variations of the IIA and its branches is essential to minimize intraoperative blood loss and other complications during pelvic surgeries.
Related Concept Videos
Arteries of Lower Limbs
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four...
Anastomoses
Anastomoses can be formed at arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels.
Arterial Anastomosis: These occur between arteries. They...
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...

