Unveiling the secrets of the profunda femoris artery: A cadaveric journey with morphometric insights.

Abstract

Objective: Profunda femoris artery (PFA), a branch of femoral artery primarily supplies blood to skin, muscles of the inner thigh and proximal femur and plays a significant role in collateral blood supply. This study aimed to investigate the origin, branching pattern and morphometries of PFA in cadavers.

Material and methods: Lower limbs of male and female cadavers (n=41) were analyzed for origin of PFA, lateral circumflex artery (LCFA) and medial circumflex artery (MCFA), distance from mid-inguinal point, course, branching pattern and their external calibers. Data were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS.

Results: The PFA showed origins that are posterolateral, posteromedial, and posterior. The distance between PFA and the midpoint of the inguinal ligament was (L=3.7-6.2; mean =5.19±0.7 cm; R=3.2-6.2 cm, mean =4.74±0.9 cm). The origin of MCFA was medial (R=61%, L=52%) and posteromedial (R=39%, L=48%); LCFA was lateral (R=100%, L=78%) and posterolateral (R=0%, L=22%). The average diameter of PFA, MCFA, & LCFA was (L=5.04, 2.9, 2.8 cm and R=5.4, 3.09, 3.71 cm). The paired t-test with a significant p-value (95% confidence) demonstrated that differences in the diameters of the arteries at the specified levels between the left and right limbs could have clinical implications, such as differences in blood flow or susceptibility to vascular conditions.

Conclusion: To reduce intra-operative and post-operative complications in the femoral region branches during diagnostic and surgical procedures, it is essential to comprehend the normal and variant positions and distances of the PFA's origin and its circumflex branches.