An anatomic study of the genicular arterial anastomosis – a dissection and 3D model

Abstract

What is it about the arterial supply to the lower limb that allows tissues to remain perfused despite a diseased superficial femoral artery? It is well known in the literature that the profunda femoris artery has great anastomotic possibilities as it passes down the thigh. This has implications during vascular surgeries when a diseased arterial segment needs to be bypassed. The arterial anatomy of this anastomosis has not been well‐documented since the late 1800s. This study combines dissection with 3D imaging to delineate the arteries involved in the genicular anastomosis. Data from the Visible Human Project was utilized in the 3D imaging software, AMIRA, and a stereoscopic model of this arterial circulation was created. Moreover, CT angiograms of the lower limb were used in the imaging software OSIRIX to reconstruct a similar 3D model. Finally, arterial supply to the lower limb was dissected in 10 cadavers from the inguinal ligament to the point of trifurcation of the popliteal artery. Arteries involved in the genicular anastomosis were photographed and documented. Describing the specific arteries involved in the genicular anastomosis may benefit vascular surgeons concerned with lower limb salvage.Grant Funding Source: Internal