Anatomical Study of Profunda Femoris Artery and it’s Variations – Cadaveric Study

Background and Aims: Profunda femoris artery is the largest branch of femoral artery. It is the principal supply to the muscles of the thigh as well as head and neck of femur. Its branches form anastomosis around the head of the femur. Profunda femoris artery is also used for arteriography. It is frequently used in vascular reconstructive procedures in the proximal thigh. It forms main route of collateral circulation in occlusion of femoral artery. The study of variation of Profunda femoris artery is of great value for radiologists and surgeons during diagnostic and surgical intervention. Aim of the study is to observe the origin of Profunda femoris artery, to measure the distance between midinguinal point and site of origin of Profunda femoris artery and to study the anatomy of Profunda femoris artery and its branches and to find out any variations in its course and its branches. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a prospective study from April 2018 to October 2018. All the lower limbs with the intact Femoral artery and Profunda femoris artery and their branches were included. Femoral artery and its branches had got cut during dissection were not included in the study. Thirty two Profunda femoris arteries (20 on the right side and 12 on the left side) were studied in the department of Anatomy. The femoral triangle was exposed by making incisions along the inguinal ligament from pubic symphysis to anterior superior iliac spine. Midpoint was taken as Midinguinal point (MIP). MIP was marked with a coloured pen. The distance between MIP and the site of origin of Profunda femoris artery was measured. We observed any variation in the site of origin of Profunda femoris artery, medial and lateral circumflex femoral artery and any variations in the branches of each vessel. Results: The Profunda femoris artery was found to be originated from lateral aspect of Femoral artery in 21(65%) of lower limbs. Lateral Circumflex femoral artery was found to be originating from lateral aspect of Profunda femoris artery in 28(87%) of lower limbs. Medial Circumflex femoral artery was found to be originating from medial aspect of Profunda femoris artery in 16(50%) of lower limbs. Lateral Circumflex femoral artery was found to be originating from Femoral artery in 3(10%) of lower limbs. We observed distance of origin of Profunda femoris artery from the midpoint of inguinal ligament as 10 – 20 mm in 10(31%) lower limbs. We observed absence of Lateral Circumflex femoral artery in 1(3%) of lower limbs and absence of medial Circumflex femoral artery in 6(18%) of lower limbs. Conclusions: The Profunda femoris artery is an important branch of the Femoral artery and is of clinical importance to the surgeon. Femoral artery and Profunda femoris artery were used for various imaging procedures including Cathetarization. Such a large & unexpected artery may be damaged while collecting blood in infants from Femoral vein or at the time of exposure of Saphenous vein for ligation at its junction with the femoral vein. During surgery, these vessels may be damaged easily at this region. Knowledge of anatomy and variations of Profunda femoris artery are important for surgeons in reducing intra – operative haemorrhage and postoperative complications.