Morphometry of Profunda Femoris Artery and Its Correlation With Femoral Artery: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Background: The Profunda femoris artery (PFA) is a branch of Femoral artery given off in the femoral triangle of the lower limb. It is of clinical importance as it provides to be main feeder artery for the anastomosis in the back of thigh through the perforator branches. It is useful for many invasive and noninvasive procedures like Doppler, ultrasonography, arteriography etc. The main objective of the study was to study the origin of the PFA, distance of origin from the bony landmarks, its branches and its external caliber.Material and Methods: 30 cadavers (15 right and 15 left lower limbs) were used for the study. The skin was incised and layers were reflected to reach the femoral artery in the femoral triangle. The femoral artery was traced and dissected for the origin and branching pattern of the PFA. The site of origin of the PFA with respect to the Femoral artery was noted. The distance of origin of the PFA from the pubic tubercle, mid-inguinal point and anterior superior iliac spine was measured in cms. The branches of the PFA were noted for any variations.Results: The PFA originated from the Femoral artery most commonly on the postero-lateral aspect and posterior to the femoral artery. The mean external caliber of the PFA was 0.55 and 0.54 cms on the left and right side respectively. The distance of the origin from the ASIS, PT and MIL were 9.52, 6.05, 5.98 on the right side and 9.71, 6.32 and 6.06 cms on the left side respectively. There was a positive correlation between the caliber of PFA and femoral artery. The most common variation in the branching pattern of PFA was lateral circumflex femoral artery arising from the femoral trunk. Conclusion:The Profunda Femoris artery is an important branch of the Femoral artery and is of critical importance to the surgeon. Its variations and difference in site of origin and morphometry facilitates the surgeons while planning for their investigative procedures. It also acts as replacement for Femoral artery when the caliber of the latter is decreased.