Unilateral Anomalous Profunda Femoris Artery: An Anatomical Variation of Clinical Significance

Abstract

The profunda femoris artery (PFA) is the largest branch of the femoral artery (FA) in the femoral triangle and is the chief arterial supply for the adductors, flexors, and extensors of the thigh, as well as the hip joint and the femur. Unilateral anomalous origin and variant course of the PFA were observed during the routine cadaveric dissection for undergraduate teaching. Of note, the FA gave only a few muscular branches, whereas all the other significant arteries of the front of the thigh took their origin from the anomalous profunda femoris artery. Both interventional radiologists and surgeons must be familiar with the anatomical variants of the PFA and FA. The likelihood of many sources supplying the skin and pedicle, particularly in reconstructive surgery, requires surgeons to be cognizant of this subject hence crucial in order to minimize surgical complications.