Bilateral Variation in the Origin of Circumflex Femoral Arteries: Anatomical Insights and Clinical Implications

TL;DR

This case report describes a rare anatomical variation in the origin of two thigh arteries, which could impact clinical procedures involving these blood vessels.

Contribution

The study documents a previously unreported bilateral variation in the origin of the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries.

Findings

On the left side, the MCFA originated from the profunda femoris artery and the LCFA from the femoral artery.

On the right side, the MCFA originated from the femoral artery and the LCFA from the profunda femoris artery.

Such variations may affect surgical and interventional procedures involving the femoral arteries.

Abstract

The medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) and lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) are crucial in providing blood supply to the hip and femoral head region and the adductor and extensor compartments of the thigh. This case report aims to document a rare bilateral variation in the origin of MCFA and LCFA observed during a routine cadaveric dissection in an anatomy lab. In a male donor aged approximately 78 years, the MCFA on the left side originated from the profunda femoris artery (PFA), whereas the LCFA arose from the femoral artery (FA). On the right side, the MCFA originated from the FA, while the LCFA had a typical origin from the PFA. These arterial variations were measured with reference to standard anatomical landmarks. Awareness of such variations can help clinicians avoid complications during procedures involving the FA and PFA.

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