Double profunda femoris artery: a unique anatomical variation with surgical significance.

Abstract

The profunda femoris artery (PFA) originates from the femoral artery, supplying crucial blood flow to thigh muscles, hip joint, and femur. We report a rare unilateral anatomical variation involving an accessory profunda femoris artery (APFA) originating 0.5 cm from the mid-inguinal point (MIP) and a main PFA arising 3.6 cm from the MIP. The APFA supplies the pectineus, adductor longus, and adductor magnus muscles, and gives off the superficial circumflex iliac artery. The main PFA gives rise to circumflex and perforating branches. This variation highlights the complexity of human anatomy and has significant clinical implications, particularly in vascular surgery, plastic surgery, and interventional radiology. Understanding anatomical variations, such as dual PFAs, is crucial for preventing complications during vascular procedures like catheterization and SCIP flap reconstruction. Preoperative assessment and intraoperative adaptability are essential to mitigate risks of arterial injury, dissection, or inadequate perfusion.