Unconventional Obturator Artery Nutrient Branch: Image of an Anatomical Variation

Abstract

Variations in vascular anatomy are of great concern to surgeons, as proper identification of aberrant arteries can reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury and improve patient outcomes. Several studies have highlighted the irregular branching pattern of pelvic arteries, with a recent focus on the obturator artery (OA). The OA has an inconstant origin from the internal iliac artery, external iliac artery, or inferior epigastric artery. Within the pelvis, the OA can give off muscular branches and nutrient vessels to the ilium and pubis. Though occasionally described in text, few resources employ images of human donors that depict branches arising from the OAs. Out of the 34 hemisected pelves studied, we identified 1 individual with a substantial nutrient vessel branching unilaterally from the OA. Herein, we present the first image of this unconventional nutrient artery. This vessel should be highlighted given that its size and course make it particularly vulnerable during intrapelvic surgeries such as pelvic lymph node dissection or in procedures requiring arterial embolization of the OA.