ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS

THE ORIGIN OF PROFUNDA FEMORIS ARTERY, ITS BRANCHES AND DIAMETER OF THE FEMORAL ARTERY.

Abstract

Profunda femoris artery and its circumflex branches are encountered
during cannulation of femoral artery for various clinical and diagnostic techniques. Objectives: To study the variations
in the origin of the profunda femoris artery and its circumflex branches along with measurement of internal diameter
of femoral artery. Design: Cadaveric studies. Setting: Anatomy Departments of Fatima Jinnah Medical College and
Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore. Period: From 04-08-06 to 30-06-07. Material Methods: In 20 adult
male cadavers, 40 femoral triangles were dissected and femoral artery, profunda femoris artery and its branches were
exposed. The distance of origin of the profunda femoris artery from the mid point of inguinal ligament and the origin
of the circumflex arteries from the profunda femoris were measured by a scale and radial caliper. The internal diameter
of femoral artery was recorded with radial caliper after injecting it with gelatin and undiluted Indian ink. Results: In 12
to 14 cases the origin of the profunda femoris artery was located between 20-40 mm from mid point of the inguinal
ligament. In 6-8 cases profunda femoris originated lower down in the thigh than the common location. Only in one case
the medial circumflex artery was seen emerging from the femoral artery at the level of origin of profunda femoris artery.
In one case lateral circumflex artery originated directly from the femoral artery unilaterally. The internal diameter of the
femoral artery ranged between 6-10 mm.