Study of Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery and Its Clinical and Surgical Importance.

Background: The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic ischemic necrosis of head of femur needs the anatomy of medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) which is the main source for the blood supply of head of femur. As it gives the muscular perforators its knowledge is important in the posteromedial cutaneous flap (gracilis flap). In the femoral artery obstruction, MCFA takes bypass route for the blood supply of lower limb as it forms anastomosis with branches of other arteries. Objectives: The study describes the origin and course of the medial circumflex artery. Methods: The present study was conducted on 50 lower limbs from embalmed human cadavers from the Department of Anatomy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru. Femoral triangle was dissected and the medial circumflex artery and branches were traced. Results: The study describes that in 8-10% cases MCFA showed variations whereas in 90-92% cases the MCFA has taken normal origin and course.

Study of Medial Circumflex Artery.

Background: The proper knowledge of the course and ramification of blood vessels of lower limbs is very important for surgeons and interventional radiologist. Medial circumflex femoral artery usually originates from posteromedial aspect of the profunda femoris, but often originates from femoral artery itself. It has an important role in supplying blood to femoral neck and head, fatty tissue in acetabular fossa and used in flaps reconstructive surgery. Methods: 50 adult lowerlimbs were procured from embalmed cadavers of J.J.M. Medical College and S.S.I.M.S & R.C, Davangere, Karnataka, India for the study. Dissection of femoral triangle was carried out according to Cunningham’s manual. Site and mode of origin of the branches of femoral artery were studied, configuration of the femoral origins of medial and lateral circumflex femoral artery and their prevalence were studied. Results: Out of 50 extremities, Medial circumflex femoral artery took origin from profunda femoris in 41 specimens and from femoral artery in 9 specimens. Conclusion: The knowledge of normal origin and variation of medial circumflex femoral artery is very valuable in preventing iatrogenic injury to these vessels during surgical procedures of femoral triangle.