BACKGROUND: Accurate knowledge of anatomical variations regarding origins of the profunda femoris, medial and lateral femoral circumflex femoral arteries are important for clinicians in the present modern era of interventional radiology. Our aim of this study was to observe and identify the variations in origin of the Profunda femoris artery and its circumflex branches. MATERIALS & METHODS: 66 femoral triangles were dissected on 33 cadavers (Both sides). The profunda femoris vessel and its medial and lateral circumflex arteries were dissected and identified. The distance of the site of origin of Profunda Femoris Artery was measured from mid-inguinal point (MIP) in centimetres with scale, thread, and digital callipers. The sites of origin of Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery and Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery were also studied and the distances of origin of each of them were measured from the origin of the Profunda Femoris Artery and from the mid-inguinal point. All the data were interpreted in tables. RESULTS: The data from the study was analyzed using statistical methods and analyzed by using the statistical package SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 16.0 for windows in present study for analyzing the data contingency table were created first and then analyzed by using the Pearson's chi-square test. The present study encountered that, in approximately 50% cases the profunda femoris artery originated from the lateral aspect of the common femoral artery. The lateral and medial circumflex femoral artery commonly originated from the profunda femoris nearly close to its origin from common femoral artery. CONCLUSION: This knowledge of variation and position would be very useful in preventing the iatrogenic injury to these vessels during surgical procedures of the femoral triangle. So, this study would be useful for the clinician for surgical and therapeutic intervention.

Profunda femoris artery is the largest branch of femoral artery and chief supply of the thigh. It is useful for various clinical procedures like arteriography, ultrasonography and Doppler imaging and haemodialysis. The knowledge of variance in height of origin of profunda femoris artery and its branches has a great significance preventing necrosis of tensor fascia lata flap when used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Chandulal Chandrakar Memorial Medical College. 33 Femoral triangles were dissected. The distance of the site of origin of Profunda Femoris Artery was measured from mid inguinal point (MIP) with scale, thread, and digital calipers. The sites of origin of Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery and Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery were also studied and the distances of origin of each of them were measured from the origin of the Profunda Femoris Artery and from the mid inguinal point. The results obtained were tabulated and then statistically analysed using chi square test but significant result was obtained only in case of comparison of the distances of origin of MCFA from MIP with the distance of origin of PFA from MIP (p<0.05). The knowledge of the side of origin of the Profunda Femoris Artery helps in avoiding iatrogenic femoral arterio-venous fistula while performing femoral artery puncture & it enable to identity the correct site of making incision for surgical exposure of the common femoral and profunda femoris junction.