Lateral Inferior Genicular Artery Research Articles

A Cadaveric Study of the Branching Pattern and Diameter of the Genicular Arteries: A Focus on the Middle Genicular Artery.

The aim of the study was to gain an appreciation of the variation in the branching pattern and diameter of the genicular arteries arising directly from the popliteal artery (PA), namely, the superior medial genicular artery (SMGA), superior lateral genicular artery (SLGA), inferior medial genicular artery (IMGA), inferior lateral genicular artery (ILGA), and middle genicular artery (MGA). Twenty cadaveric knees aged between 62 and 92 years were dissected. A posterior midline vertical incision was used to gain access to the PA. The diameter of the PA, the sequence of branching, and subsequent diameter of genicular vessels and common trunks were recorded. PA average diameter was 7.9 mm. The SMGA (1.6-mm diameter) was the first branch in 45% and the second branch in 20%, and in seven limbs it arose from a common trunk with the SLGA. The SLGA was the second branch in 30% and the first branch in 25%, and it branched from a common trunk in 45%. The MGA (1.1-mm diameter) arose as the second branch in four knees and as the third branch in eight knees. It arose from a common trunk in eight knees, either with a superior genicular (three knees) or with an inferior genicular (five knees). The IMGA (1.5-mm diameter) was the third branch in 25%, the fourth branch in 35%, and the fifth branch in 15%. In five cases, it arose from a common trunk (25%). The ILGA (1.4-mm diameter) was the third branch in 15%, the fourth branch in 30%, and the fifth branch in 25%. It arose from a common trunk in six knees. These trunks also gave rise to the IMGA in all cases. There is extensive variation in the branching pattern and diameter of the genicular arteries differing from textbook descriptions. An awareness of vascular variation is imperative for preservation of the blood supply to the knee, which may promote recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and popliteal aneurysm repair.

Vascularized proximal fibular epiphyseal transfer for Bayne and Klug type III radial longitudinal deficiency in children.

Treatment of Bayne and Klug type III radial longitudinal deficiency with fibular epiphyseal transplantation in children has had limited success to date. The purpose of this investigation was to review the authors' results of microvascular epiphyseal transplantation for radial longitudinal deficiency. Between 2007 and 2009, four children with a mean age of 4.3 years (range, 3.3 to 5.8 years) who had a type III radial longitudinal deficiency underwent microsurgical reconstruction of the distal radius with vascularized proximal fibular transplantation, including the physis, partial superior tibiofibular joint, and a variable length of the diaphysis. All of the grafts were supplied by the inferior lateral genicular artery. In all patients, the range of motion of the digits, wrist, forearm, and elbow; the length of the forearm; and the deviation of the wrist were evaluated. The mean duration of follow-up was 42 months (range, 24 to 65 months). All four transfers survived and united with the host bone within 3 months postoperatively. An average correction of 28 degrees in the hand-forearm angle was obtained. Forearm length was 67.9 percent that of the normal side on average at the final follow-up. The overall range of wrist motion was approximately 55 percent that of the contralateral extremity. No major complications were observed. Vascularized proximal fibular epiphyseal transfer, based on the inferior lateral genicular artery, is a technically feasible method for treatment of type III radial longitudinal deficiency, which maintains hand-forearm alignment, provides excellent function, and minimizes the length discrepancy between the distal radius and ulna. Therapeutic, IV.

Therapeutic Embolization for Postoperative Hemorrhage of Lateral Inferior Genicular Artery after Total Knee Arthroplasty : A Case Report

We describe a case of 67-year-old man who had a hemorrhage of the lateral inferior genicular artery after total kneearthroplasty. The authors encountered rare case of a pseudoaneurysm that was occurred due to the genicular artery injuryduring the knee arthroplasty operation. The pseudoaneurysm was treated successfully without the need for surgicalintervention using transcatheter embolization. No recurrence of the hemarthrosis was observed in the patient after a follow-upof 2 years.

Injury risk to extraosseous knee vasculature during osteotomies: a cadaveric study with CT and dissection analysis.

Realignment osteotomies about the knee may be performed as distal femoral or proximal tibial osteotomies; both may be performed either on the medial or lateral sides of the knee, in closing- or opening-wedge fashion. Although rare, injury to neurovascular structures may occur, and the proximity of the vascular structures to the osteotomy saw cuts has been incompletely characterized. We performed a cadaver study to assess the risk of vascular injury in patients undergoing realignment osteotomies by (1) quantifying the distances between osteotomy saw cuts and blood vessels using three-dimensional CT reconstruction after distal femoral and proximal tibial osteotomies; and (2) qualitatively describing the small- and medium-sized vasculature around the knee, to provide the link between the CT analysis and wedge incision measures, and better show the potential extraosseous supply to the regions investigated. Twelve human cadaveric knees were injected with a latex and barium sulfate suspension into the superficial femoral artery. Each specimen underwent CT to evaluate vascular perfusion and was randomized to either a lateral opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomy and medial opening-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy group, or a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy and lateral closing-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy group. Postoperatively, knees underwent CT in extension to measure the shortest distance between the osteotomies and the popliteal artery, anterior and posterior tibial arteries, and genicular arteries. Vessels between 5 mm and 10 mm from the osteotomy cut were considered in a zone of moderate risk for damage, while vessels less than 5 mm from the cut were considered in a zone of high risk for damage. Vessels more than 10 mm from the cut were not considered to be at risk. Subsequently, knees underwent dissection and chemical débridement to qualitatively describe the smaller vessels. This part of the study added visual information and gave a comprehensive overview of the vessels at risk. All variations of the osteotomies put at least one artery at risk. The popliteal artery was found in a risk zone for injury in two specimens during closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 11.6 mm; range, 5.2-14.6 mm). The superior lateral genicular artery was in a risk zone in all the specimens during opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 3.0 mm; range, 0.7-6.5 mm), and in five specimens during closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 4.5 mm; range, 1.3-11.2 mm). A concomitant risk for superior medial genicular artery injury was observed in five specimens during opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 8.7 mm; range, 0.8-13.9 mm) and in four specimens during closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 4.1; range, 0.5-41.7 mm). The popliteal artery was in a risk zone in four specimens during opening-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (median distance, 9.6 mm; range, 6.6-12.9 mm), and in three specimens during closing wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (median distance, 9.6 mm; range, 4.4-11 mm). The inferior medial genicular artery could be classified at risk in five specimens during opening-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (median distance, 2.1 mm; range, 0.3-32 mm) and in five specimens during closing-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (median distance, 5.8 mm; range, 1.4-13 mm). Furthermore, the inferior lateral genicular artery was found in a risk zone in two specimens of closing-wedge proximal tibial osteotomies (median distance, 17.4 mm; range, 8-23.3 mm). There were no differences between opening-wedge and closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomies and proximal tibial osteotomies in the vessels at risk during the procedure. After chemical débridement, knees showed abundant vascularization of the distal femur and lateral tibia, whereas the medial tibia contained few arteries. With the numbers available, we found that none of the osteotomy techniques performed was safer than any other in terms of the proximity of the major arterial structures and some vessels appear to be at relatively high risk during these procedures. This study clarifies that the genicular arteries on the opposite side of the surgical field, which cannot be seen and protected during the procedure, can be at risk of injury, particularly when the cortical hinge is compromised. Additional studies are necessary to address the potential risk of the dissection needed for plate placement and injuries related to drilling and screw placement during osteotomies around the knee.

Autogenous fibular transplantation and reconstruction of radiocarpal joint after en bloc excision of giant cell tumor of distal radius

Objective To evaluate the method and curative effect of reconstruction with vascularized or nonvascularized autogenous fibular transplantation of radiocarpal joint after en bloc excision of giant cell tumor of distal radius.Methods Seventeen cases with giant cell tumor of distal radius bone were treated by en bloc resection and reconstruction of wrist joint with vascularized or non-vascularized autogenous fibular transplantation.Postoperative wrist joint function and radiographic outcomes were evaluated.Results Seventeen cases were followed up from 2.0 to 5.5 years (average 3.6 years).Three cases were treated by peroneal artery anastomosis and other 3 cases by inferior lateral genicular artery anastomosis.All cases achieved primary healing of incision and the radial average length that was en bloc excised was 7.6 cm.All of the transplanted fibulas were healed well.The bone healing average time of the vascularized fibular graft was 3.7 months,while that of the non-vascularized fibular graft was 7.9 months.No tumor recurrence or lung metastases was observed during the follow-up,but 1 wrist joint was narrowed and another had degeneration of the wrist.After 2 years of surgery,the average range of motion of the wrist joint was as follows:dorsiflexion 47°,flexion 30°,ulnar deviation 23°,radial deviation 14°,pronation 55°,supination 62°.The grip force was from 40％ to 80％ of the contralateral upper limb.The MSTS score averaged 87.6 ％ with 6 excellent,eight good and 3 satisfactory results.Disabilities of the Arm,Shoulder,and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score averaged 3.48.Conclusion The method of autogenous fibular transplantation and reconstruction of radiocarpal joint after en bloc excision of giant cell tumor of distal radius can save the wrist joint function in a certain extent.It is an effective method of the wrist joint function reconstruction and beneficial to bone healing with vascularized transplantation which has less complications. Key words: Bone transplantation; Bone remodeling; Giant cell tumor of bone; Wrist joint; Fibula

Selective arterial embolization with gelatin particles for refractory knee hemarthrosis

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of selective arterial embolization for refractory knee hemarthrosis. Transcatheter arterial embolization for refractory knee hemarthrosis was performed on five female patients (median age, 77 years; range, 71-80 years) between May 2009 and September 2012. Selective arterial embolization of the feeding artery was performed using a 2.5 F microcatheter coaxially advanced from a 5 F catheter with its tip positioned in the superficial femoral artery. One- or two-millimeter gelatin particles were used as embolic agents. In all patients, transarterial embolization performed successfully after arteriography showed nontumorous staining around the knee joint. The feeding arteries were the lateral superior genicular artery in all five patients, the lateral inferior genicular artery in four patients, the medial superior genicular artery in one patient, the medial inferior genicular artery in one patient, the middle genicular artery in one patient, and the descending genicular artery in one patient. In all five patients, staining was remarkably diminished around the knee joint after the embolization procedure. No complication was observed. The hemarthrosis improved after the embolization, and the postoperative course has been uneventful with no recurrence in any patient. These results suggest that selective arterial embolization for refractory hemarthrosis of the knee is safe and useful.

Variations of the circumflex fibular artery

The circumflex fibular artery is described in anatomy textbooks as frequently branching from the posterior tibial artery, or alternatively, from anterior tibial or, less frequently, the popliteal artery. The purpose of this study was to examine the variation incidence of the branching pattern of the circumflex fibular artery due to a dearth of studies in this area. Our study examined 82 lower extremities used over six years in our lower limb anatomy course. The anterior tibial artery was the most frequent source of the circumflex fibular artery (n=33; 40%) followed by the posterior tibial artery (n=26; 32%) and popliteal artery (n=19; 23%). Infrequently, it was observed stemming from the fibular artery (n=3; 4%). In one instance (1%), the circumflex fibular artery issued from the lateral inferior genicular artery. In summary, the study confirmed the three most frequent sources of the circumflex fibular artery (i.e., anterior and posterior tibial and popliteal arteries) though the incidence was greatest in the anterior tibial artery. Moreover, the fibular and lateral inferior genicular arteries may infrequently issue the circumflex fibular artery. Supported by the Anatomy Department, Des Moines University

Inferior Lateral Genicular Artery Injury during Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

We report a case of inferior lateral genicular artery (ILG) injury during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery with lateral partial meniscectomy. This is a rare arthroscopy complication. A review of the literature has been made with the aim to define the anatomy of ILG across the lateral articular line and the risk of lesion during knee arthroscopy. We propose embolization as a good treatment option for this type of injuries.

Reconstruction of bone and skin defects of medial malleolus with free composite flap of fibular head in children

Objective To explore clinical outcomes of reconstruction of bone and skin defects of medial malleolus with a free composite tissue flap of the fibular head in children.Methods First a gross anatomic observation was conducted to study the blood supply and anatomy of the blood vessels around the area of fibular head using 6 cadaveric specimens of children's lower limb (4 boys and 2 girls).Based on the gross observation, a free composite tissue flap of the fibular head was designed for the repair of bone and skin defects of medial malleolus in 8 children (6 boys and 2 girls, aged from 3 to 11 years).There were 7 cases of open injury and one case of closed injury.Seven right medial malleoli and one left medial malleolus were repaired.The osteoepiphysis was involved in all the cases.The bone defect area ranged from 2 cm×2 cm to 4 cm× 6cm, and the skin defect area from 3 cm× 6 cm to 8 cm× 10 cm.Results The gross anatomic observation revealed that the lateral inferior genicular artery is the principal blood supply to the free composite tissue flap of the fibular head.The lateral inferior genicular artery originates from the popliteal artery and runs to the fibular head by way of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle, collateral ligament, lateral meniscus and posterior aspect of the femoral bone.The artery course is constant.The initial diameter of the artery is 1.0±0.2mm, and its total length is 2.5 ± 0.4 cm.On average, the artery has 2 to 4 branches extending into the skin of the fibular head area.After clinical application, the flap survived in all the 8 cases.Follow-ups from 4 to 13 months showed bony union, fine shape of the medial malleolus reconstructed and satisfactory functional recovery of the ankle joint in all the 8 cases, with partial early closed osteoepiphysis in one case.Conclusion The free composite tissue flap of the fibular head has plentiful blood supply and is a good way to reconstruct bone and skin defects of the medial malleolus in children. Key words: Ankle injuries; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Fibula; Child

The arterial supply of the patellar tendon: Anatomical study with clinical implications for knee surgery

The middle-third of the patellar tendon (PT) is well-established as a potential graft for cruciate ligament reconstruction, but there is little anatomical basis for its use. Although studies on PT vascular anatomy have focused on the risk to tendon pedicles from surgical approaches and knee pathophysiology, the significance of its blood supply to grafting has not been adequately explored previously. This investigation explores both the intrinsic and extrinsic arterial anatomy of the PT, as relevant to the PT graft. Ten fresh cadaveric lower limbs underwent angiographic injection of the common femoral artery with radio-opaque lead oxide. Each tendon was carefully dissected, underwent plain radiography and subsequently schematically reconstructed. The PT demonstrated a well-developed and consistent vascularity from three main sources: antero-proximally, mainly by the inferior-lateral genicular artery; antero-distally via a choke-anastomotic arch between the anterior tibial recurrent and inferior medial genicular arteries; and posteriorly via the retro-patellar anastomotic arch in Hoffa's fat pad. Two patterns of pedicles formed this arch: inferior-lateral and descending genicular arteries (Type-I); superior-lateral, inferior-lateral, and superior-medial genicular arteries (Type-II). Both types supplied the posterior PT, with the majority of vessels descending to its middle-third. The middle-third PT has a richer intrinsic vascularity, which may enhance its ingrowth as a graft, and supports its conventional use in cruciate ligament reconstruction. The pedicles supplying the PT are endangered during procedures where Hoffa's fat pad is removed including certain techniques of PT harvest and total knee arthroplasty.

Vascular basis of free transfer of proximal epiphysis and diaphysis of fibula: an anatomical study

Transfer of proximal epiphysis and diaphysis of fibula is a treatment of bony defects in children. Although there are few reports of this procedure, different arteries or combination of arteries have been used as supplying pedicle and the reported success rates are different. This is an anatomical study to clarify the vascular anatomy of this region. A total of 16 fresh cadavers were enrolled. An incision was made in the popliteal fossa to find the popliteal artery, which was dissected distally and the lateral inferior genicular artery, anterior tibial artery, tibioperoneal trunk and its bifurcation were located. In eight subjects popliteal artery was cannulated above the level of femoral condyles and injected by latex. In the next eight cases the same material was injected in the anterior tibial artery. The next steps of dissection were done by 4.3-loupe magnification. Lateral inferior genicular artery was dissected from its origin to the fibular head and branches of anterior tibial artery were also dissected. In three specimens, the fibula and its supplying arteries were removed after dissection and put in diluted hydrochloric acid to be opened for studying the medullary vasculature. This study confirms the existence of not only periosteal but also intramedullary anastomosis between artery of the neck and peroneal artery. Artery of the neck was usually a branch of anterior tibial artery and in 24% of the subjects a branch of popliteal artery. In the latter condition the pedicle would be too short to permit the surgeon to do this surgery. Therefore preoperative angiography is mandatory to identify the origin of the artery of the neck. According to these dissections, a classification system of arterial supply of proximal fibular epiphysis is introduced in this article.

The Composite Meniscal-Capsular-Fat Pad Flap in a Lateral Approach to the Fixed Valgus Knee: An Anatomical Study

We present an anatomical study on the vascular supply to the patellar fat pad. Forty knees from fresh cadavers were dissected after injecting the femoral artery with colored latex. In all cases, the vascular supply to the fat pad depended essentially on the lateral inferior genicular artery, which enters this structure at its posterolateral extent. In the cases in which the fat pad flap was raised before the injection of latex, we observed good vascularization of the flap by the lateral genicular artery. This is a safe vascularized flap that offers an optimal covering of knee prostheses in fixed valgus knee deformities. An optimal procedure for raising the flap is proposed.

Transarterial embolization of an inferior genicular artery pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula after arthroscopy

Arthroscopic meniscectomy of the knee is generally a safe and effective procedure with a low rate of vascular complications. We report here on a unique case of a 55-year-old man with a lateral inferior genicular artery pseudoaneurysm and a concomitant arteriovenous fistula that developed after arthroscopic meniscectomy; this was successfully treated with selective angiographic embolization. This case illustrates the effectiveness of an endovascular approach as a minimally invasive treatment for this uncommon complication that occurs after an arthroscopic procedure.

Therapeutic Embolization for Pseudoaneurysm of the Lateral Inferior Genicular Artery after Total Knee Arthroplasty - A Case Report -

Reports of a traumatic pseudoaneurysm after total knee arthroplasty are quite rare. The authors encountered a case of a traumatic pseudoaneurysm after total knee arthroplasty. The pseudoaneurysm was treated successfully without the need for surgical intervention using transcatheter embolization. No recurrence of the hemarthrosis was observed in the patient after a follow-up of 12 months.

The arterial vascularization of the lateral tibial condyle: anatomy and surgical applications

The contribution of the inferior lateral genicular artery (ILGA) and the anterior tibial recurrent artery (ATRA) in the arterial supply of the lateral tibial condyle (LTC) has not been comprehensively studied and remains controversial. Eleven knee joints were injected with colored latex and the arteries were dissected macroscopically. The ATRA yielded several osseous branches supplying the tibial metaphysis and the anterior part of the tibial epiphysis and several rami supplying the anterior tibial tuberosity and the lower part of the patellar tendon. The ILGA ran under the lateral collateral ligament and had a horizontal direction towards the retro-patellar fat pad. The ILGA yielded 4-6 branches ascending or descending perpendicularly to its main direction. Full anastomoses between branches derived from the ATRA and the ILGA were observed in front and behind the lateral intercondylar tubercle in all the specimens, but each vessel seemed to provide predominantly the blood supply to a specific area. The anterior part of the LTC drew its blood supply from the ATRA, the posterior part from the ILGA and the mid-portion from both arteries. The standard anterolateral approach to LTC fractures with sub-meniscal arthrotomy appears particularly harmful to epiphyseal vascularization since it interrupts many of the branches deriving from the ILGA and ATRA. The recent development of arthroscopy in the treatment of LTC fractures may be particularly advantageous as it spares the vascularization of the LTC.

Rupture of Excluded Popliteal Artery Aneurysm: Implications for Type II Endoleaks

The fate of popliteal artery aneurysms after ligation and bypass is believed to be relatively innocuous. The patient presented in this report, however, experienced spontaneous rupture of a popliteal aneurysm 11 years after ligation and bypass. Magnetic resonance angiography was used to establish the diagnosis of rupture, which was subsequently confirmed at surgery. Intraoperative arteriography demonstrated persistent collateral arterial perfusion of the excluded popliteal aneurysm sac. The collateral arterial flow originated from the superior and inferior lateral genicular arteries. The persistent arterial perfusion resulted in growth of the aneurysm from 4.2 to 7.0 cm over the 11-year period. The ruptured aneurysm was successfully treated by direct arterial exposure and suture ligation of the collateral vessels performed from within the aneurysm sac. The development of popliteal aneurysm expansion and rupture as a result of collateral arterial perfusion suggests that persistent collateral perfusion of abdominal aortic aneurysms after endovascular repair (type II endoleak) may lead to aneurysm rupture. Therefore, close observation and intervention for aneurysm expansion to prevent rupture of the excluded aneurysm are warranted.

BICIPETAL TENODESIS FOR ANTERIOR SUBLUXATION OF THE SUPERIOR TIBIOFIBULAR JOINT

A technique for stabilising the superior tibiofibular joint using an autogenous biceps graft passed through a tibial tunnel is described. The common peroneal nerve should be decompressed and the lateral inferior genicular artery protected. The technique proved to be safe and effective in two patients who were followed for at least two years.

Evaluation of the intraosseous and extraosseous blood supply to the distal femoral condyles.

Osteonecrosis of the distal femur occurs more often in the medial femoral condyle than in the lateral femoral condyle, but the vascular supply to these regions has not previously been described. Twelve fresh adult cadaver legs were injected with india ink or latex via the femoral artery and then meticulously dissected to evaluate the extraosseous blood supply. After all soft tissue was removed, the intraosseous blood supply was evaluated using a modified Spateholtz technique. The vascular structures at risk during posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were also identified. The analysis of the extraosseous arterial supply demonstrated that the superior and inferior lateral genicular arteries combine to supply the lateral femoral condyle. The medial femoral condyle is supplied primarily by the superior medial genicular artery and other lesser branches of the popliteal artery. The intraosseous supply to the lateral condyle was shown to consist of an arcade of vessels providing multiple branches to the subchondral bone with no obvious "watershed" region of limited vascularity. The intraosseous supply to the medial condyle appeared to consist of a single nutrient vessel supplying the subchondral bone with an apparent watershed area of limited supply. A potentially significant difference exists between the intraosseous and extraosseous blood supply to the medial and lateral femoral condyles that may explain the higher frequency of ischemic events occurring in the medial femoral condyle. The close proximity of the extraosseous vessels to the medial femoral condyle and the standard femoral tunnel used during posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may explain the occurrence of avascular necrosis after this procedure.

Pseudoaneurysm After Arthroscopy of the Knee

Pseudoaneurysm of the inferior lateral genicular artery occurred in a 25-year-old man after arthroscopy. The arthroscopy was not complicated by postoperative bleeding or hemarthrosis, which has been associated with pseudoaneurysm formation. The diagnosis was confirmed on 99mTc radionuclide scanning and ultrasound, and the anatomy was demonstrated by digital subtraction angiography. Exploration and excision were performed without complication or recurrence. There are several methods for investigating these rare lesions.

Pitfalls in MR imaging of the knee.

Discrepancies between the findings of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and those of arthroscopy were reviewed retrospectively in 52 knee examinations. Some of the discrepancies between MR imaging and arthroscopy were caused by errors in interpretation of MR images due to normal structures that mimicked meniscal tears. The transverse ligament and the lateral inferior genicular artery can produce the appearance of tears in the anterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci, respectively. The popliteus tendon may be mistaken for a tear in the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. The normal concavity at the outer edge of the meniscus can create a volume-averaging artifact, which mimics a horizontal tear in the meniscus. Tears of the meniscus and separations of the meniscus from the joint capsule were not seen or were underestimated when the tears were oriented parallel to the plane of the image. An awareness of these pitfalls may improve the accuracy of the interpretation of MR images of the knee.