Case Report: Rare Bilateral Double Profunda Femoris Artery Variation: Clinical Implications and Considerations

The profunda femoris artery (PFA) is the largest branch of the femoral artery supplying the thigh. The study reports a rare occurrence of bilateral double profunda artery in a male cadaver, aiming to inform surgeons of such variations to avoid complications during surgical interventions.

This study was conducted during routine dissections using 5-10% formalin-fixed lower limbs of a male cadaver at the Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, UAE.

In the right lower limb, two profunda femoris artery (PFA) branches arise from the common femoral artery (CFA) 5 cm from the inguinal ligament, one laterally and one posteromedially. The medial (MCFA) and lateral circumflex (LCFA) arteries branch from these PFAs respectively. The femoral nerve is anterior to the lateral PFA and LCFA and lateral to the posteromedial PFA. The obturator nerve runs posterior to the posteromedial PFA. In the left lower limb, two PFAs originate from the CFA, 2.5 and 5 cm from the inguinal ligament, lateral and posterior to the CFA, respectively. The LCFA stems from the upper lateral branch of the duplicated PFA, while the medial MCFA arises from the CFA. The femoral nerve lies anterior to both the PFA and LCFA. The obturator nerve is posterior to the MCFA. The femoral vein crosses over the MCFA and the lower posterior PFA, distal to the MCFA origin.

This report enriches understanding of PFA anatomy and its variations, emphasizing the importance of tailored surgical approaches to minimize risks and ensure procedure success.