Anatomical Variations of Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery – A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Introduction: The Profunda femoris artery is a large branch that arises from the lateral or posterolateral part of the femoral artery, about 3 to 5cm below the inguinal ligament. Profunda femoris artery [^1,2,4] gives Medial circumflex femoral artery, Lateral circumflex femoral artery, and Perforating arteries and muscular branches. Medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) originates from the posteromedial aspect of the Profunda but may originate from the femoral artery. It gives three branches ascending and transverse, acetabular branches.  Aim & Objectives: To study the anatomical variations in source of origin, site of origin of MCFA. Methods: The present observational study was conducted on the dissection of 70 lower limbs of 35 adult cadavers (27 male & 8 female). Contents of the femoral triangle were dissected as per Cunningham’s manual. The source of origin distance of the origin of MCFA was noted. Collected data were analyzed statistically. Results: In the present study, MCFA from the P.F.A. in 85.71% (60/70) in both Right and Left lower limbs. The common source of Right MCFA from the Femoral Artery followed by a common stem with P.F.A. The following common source of Lt MCFA as a common stem with P.F.A. Distance of origin of MCFA from the P.F.A. was seen between 1-2cm in 34.29% of Right and 28.5% of Left Limbs in the present study. Conclusions: In most limbs (60/70 limbs), the MCFA was taking origin from P.F.A. in both Right & Left limbs (85.72%). Distance of origin of MCFA from the P.F.A. was seen between 1-2cm in 34.29% of Right and 28.5% of Left Limbs in the present study.