RESUMO
Introduction: The anatomical knowledge of variations of femoral artery and its branches is important as it isfrequently accessed by surgeons and radiologists for number of procedures. Profunda femoris artery is thelargest branch of femoral artery, it is chief supply of the thigh. It is frequently incorporated in vascularreconstructive procedures in the proximal leg. Femoral artery is frequently accessed by radiologists for numberof procedures, and surgeons. Accurate knowledge of anatomical variations of femoral artery and its branchesincluding profunda femoris, medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries is required to minimize complicationsand hence it is suggested for the clinicians planning surgery and intervention.Materials and Methods: In the present study, dissection was performed on 70 lower extremities of 35 embalmedcadavers in the department of Anatomy, Yenepoya Medical College Mangalore. The distance of the site of originof profunda femoris artery from the midpoint of the inguinal ligament was measured in mm with a scale andrecorded. The site of origin of medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries were studied.Results: In present study of profunda femoris artery, we found posterolateral and lateral aspect of origin wascommon (72.85%) than posterior and posteromedial aspect of origin (19.83%). In three limbs (3.03%) profundafemoris artery was originating from medial side of femoral artery and it coursed superficial to femoral vein. Asper various literatures this is rare. The site of origin of profunda femoris artery was between 21-40 mm on 48limbs. In 12 limbs we found high origin of profunda femoris artery (distance < 10mm). In 10% cases profundafemoris artery took origin as a common stem of femoral artery, that is origin of profunda femoris and twocircumflex arteries from single site.Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge of branching pattern of femoral and profunda femoral artery and their distanceof origin is very important to surgeons to avoid inadvertent damage to these vessels and to avoid complicationsduring surgeries. the complications in vascular reconstructive surgeries.