AbstractBackground and objectives: Profunda femoris artery (PFA) and its branches are known to have wide range of variations. The objective of this study was to report the variations in site of origin, level of origin of profunda femoris artery and variations in origin of medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries. Methodology: In a descriptive cadaveric study, 64 lower limb specimens of 32 cadavers were studied (27 males and 5 females). After dissecting the femoral triangle, profunda femoris artery origin, distance from inguinal ligament, medial and lateral circumflex arteries were noted. Results: Out of 32 cadavers (64 specimens), PFA was arising from the posterolateral aspect of femoral artery in front of iliacus in 33 specimens. In 13 specimens it PFA was arising from lateral side of femoral artery. Mean distance in normal origin of PFA from femoral artery was 33±7 mm from inguinal ligament.Only in two specimens, PFA was originating above femoral artery above inguinal ligament. In 49 specimens (76.6%), circumflex arteries were arising separately from PFA. Only in two cases medial, lateral circumflex arteries and PFA was arising from common trunk, forming trifurcation of PFA. Conclusion: Profunda femoris artery most commonly arises below the inguinal ligament and posterolateral to femoral artery. Medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries most commonly arise as separate branches from PFA. This study may be useful for surgeons working in the upper part of thigh either during hip surgeries or during treatment of ischemic lower limb revascularization.
Keywords: Deep Femoral Artery; Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery; Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery; Variations.