The study of lateral circumflex femoral artery and its applied aspects

Abstract

Introduction: The anatomy of arterial variational pattern of lower limb are utmost important for catheterization, reconstructive procedures and surgical intervention for embolism. LCFA is used as a long vascular pedicle in anterolateral perforator thigh flap and in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Ignorance of variations can lead to fatal intraoperative haemorrhage and incapacitating sensory and motor deficit due to injury to femoral nerve branches which are closely related to these vessels1. Aims and Objective: The study aims at the origin of LCFA and its origin from main arterial origin; 1: Origin of LCFA is it from PFA or FA; 2: Distance of origin from PFA those which are branches of PFA& FA respectively. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in 50 formalin-fixed lower limbs from the Department of Anatomy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute and Bowring & Lady Curzon Medical College & Research Institute, Bangalore. Dissection of PFA and its branches were carried out & the following parameters were observed and photographed. Percentage of origin of LCFA from PFA / FA. Distance of origin of LCFA from PFA/FA. Measurements were done using digital callipers. Result: Origin of LCFA was from PFA in 46 cases (92%) & FA in 4 (8%). The mean distance of origin of LCFA was 2.3 cm (range 0.3-7 cm). 1: 38 (82.6%) were 0.3-2.8 cm from PF & 8 (17.4%) were 2.9-5.8 cm from PF; 2: (50%) were 0.3-3 cm from FA & 2 (50%) were 3.1-7 cm from FA. Keywords: Lateral circumflex femoral artery, Profunda femoris artery, Femoral artery, Femoral nerve.