Variations in the origins of the profunda femoris, medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries: A cadaver study in the Indian population

Femoral artery is frequently accessed by radiologists and surgeons. Anatomical knowledge of the variations of femoral artery and its branches including profunda femoris, medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries is required to minimize complications and hence it is suggested for the clinicians planning surgery and intervention around the aforementioned vessels. Present study was undertaken on Indian population and dissection was performed on 64 extremities of 32 embalmed cadavers. The level of origin of the profunda femoris artery was studied in relation to the midpoint of the inguinal ligament. Prevalence of the mode and configurations of origins of the medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries was observed. The median distance of separation of the profunda femoris artery from the femoral artery was 4.2 cm distal to the midpoint of the inguinal ligament. The medial femoral circumflex artery in 43 out of 64 (67.2%) extremities originated from the profunda femoris artery; whereas in 21 out of 64 (32.8%) extremities it originated from the femoral artery. On the other hand, the lateral femoral circumflex artery in 52 out of 64 (81.25%) extremities originated from the profunda femoris artery; whereas in 12 out of 64 (18.75%) extremities it originated from the femoral artery. We further suggest that origins of the medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries directly from the femoral artery is associated with lower level of separation of the profunda femoral artery from the femoral artery.