Cadaveric Study of Origin of Profunda Femoral Artery In Relation To Inguinal Ligament And Femoral Artery

Knowledge of the anatomical variations of the profunda femoris artery is essential during angiographic diagnostic procedures as well as during performing surgery in the thigh region. The expanding scope of the intervention radiology has prompted this study on the variations of the origin of profunda femoris artery. The aim of this study is to determine the variations in the origin of profunda femoris artery in relation to inguinal ligament and femoral artery. Materials and method- The study material consists of 50 adult lower limb specimens from 25 adult embalmed and formalin fixed cadavers (18 males and 7 females), which were studied by direct dissection method. Results-[1]The distance between the inguinal ligament and  the origin of the profunda femoris artery  was less than 2.5cm in 12%  of cases, 2.5-3.8cm in 68% of cases and 3.8-5.1cm in 20% of cases. [2]The origin of the profunda femoris artery was lateral to the femoral artery in 76% of the cases. In 16% of the cases the origin of  the profunda femoris artery was posterolateral to the femoral artery and in 8% of the cases the origin of the profunda femoris artery was posterior to the femoral artery. Conclusion-Awareness of the site of origin and distance of profunda femoris artery from the inguinal lligament will allow the surgeons to define the vascular patterns before performing any invasive procedure and to avoid unexpected iatrogenic injuries.