ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF THE ORIGIN OF PROFUNDA FEMORIS ARTERY – A CADAVERIC STUDY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The Profunda Femoris Artery (PFA) is a large branch arises from the lateral or posterolateral part of the Femoral Artery (FA), about 3 to 5cm below the inguinal ligament. The PFA is in close proximity to femoral vessels in the femoral triangle the precise anatomical knowledge of PFA and its branches is of great signicance in preventing profuse haemorrhage, pseudo aneurysms and traumatic AV stulae while doing any procedures or surgeries in that area. AIM & OBJECTIVES: To study the anatomical variations in source of origin, site of origin and distance of origin from midpoint of inguinal ligament of PFA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present observational study was conducted on the dissection of 70 lower limbs of 35 adult cadavers (27 male & 8 female) in the Department of Anatomy S.V.S Medical College, Mahabubnagar over a period of 2 years. Contents of the femoral triangle were dissected as per Cunningham's manual. The source of origin, site, distance of origin from mid points of inguinal ligament and course of PFA were noted. Collected data was analysed statistically. RESULTS: In the present study the PFA was arising from the femoral artery in all these 70 Lower Limbs. The commonest site of origin of PFA was postero lateral side of femoral artery in 17 (48.6%) Limbs on right side, 16(45.8%) limbs on left side, followed by lateral side of FA in14(40%) limbs on right side, 12(34.3%) limbs on left side ,followed by posterior in 4(11.4%) limbs on each side. The PFA was originating from medial side of FA only in 3 (4.29%) left limbs The PFA was taking origin below the inguinal ligament most commonly at the distance of 3-4cm in 10(29) limbs on right side, 15(43%) limbs on left side and at 4-5cm in 8(23%) limbs on right side, 5(14%) limbs on left side, at 2-3cm in 8 (23%) limbs on right side, 6(17%) limbs on left side, at 5-7cm in 3(8.5%) limbs on right in 1 (3%) limbs on left side. The PFA was taking origin higher level with in 2cm below the midpoint of inguinal ligament in 6 (17%) limbs on right side, 8(23%) limbs on left side. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of site and level of origin of Profundafemoris artery helps in avoiding the formation of iatrogenic femoral arteriovenous stula (0.1-1.5%) while performing femoral artery puncture during femoral puncture, cardiac catheterisation and radiological procedures