STUDY OF POSTERIOR DIVISION OF INTERNAL ILIAC ARTERY

Background: The internal iliac artery originates from the common iliac artery at the level of sacroiliac joint. The internal iliac artery descends posterior to the greater sciatic foramen thereby dividing into anterior and posterior divisions. The posterior division of the internal iliac artery is known to give rise to three main branches i.e. iliolumbar artery, lateral sacral artery. Accidental haemorrhage is common during erroneous interpretation of anomalous blood vessels. The knowledge of the normal and the abnormal anatomy of the branches of the internal iliac artery is essential for obstetric surgeons. Methods: 50 adult human pelvic halves were procured from embalmed cadavers of J.J.M. Medical College and S.S.I.M.S & R.C, Davangere, Karnataka, India for the study. Results: Out of 50 specimens, ilio-lumbar artery took origin from posterior division, directly in 22 specimens (44%), with obturator artery in 5 specimens (10%) and with superior gluteal artery in 2 specimens (4%). From anterior division, with obturator artery in 6 specimens (12%) and with inferior gluteal artery in 1 specimen (2%). From common trunk, as direct branch in 10 specimens (20%), with lateral sacral artery in 1 specimen (2%), with vertebral branch in 1 specimen (2%), with superior gluteal artery in 1 specimen (2%) and was found to be absent in 1 specimen (2%). Posterior division of internal iliac artery given origin directly to superior gluteal artery in 44 specimens (88%), with ilio-lumbar artery in 1 specimen (2%), with obturator artery in 2 specimens (4%). Lateral sacral artery from posterior division was observed in 38 specimens (76%) and unpaired origin was observed in 7 specimens (14%). Conclusion: Internal iliac artery supplies the pelvic viscera and musculature the knowledge of its branches helpful in pelvis surgeries.