Anatomical Variants of the Perforating Branch of the Profunda Femoris Artery Compare with Femur Length in Thais
Abstract
Background and objective: Pseudoaneurysm of the profunda femoris artery is a serious complication following femoral fracture. This condition was reported after orthopaedic surgical procedures. To avoid this complication, the orthopaedic surgeons should know the anatomical variants of the perforating branches of the profunda femoris artery. The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical variants of the perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery compared with femur length in Thais.
Method: Thirty-two fresh human cadavers were used in this study. The common femoral artery was identified through a longitudinal incision extending from mid-point of the inguinal ligament to adductor tubercle of the femur and identified the perforating branches of femoral artery both sides. The length of the femur and distances between the tip of the greater trochanter and the perforating arteries were measured. Pearson correlation coefficient between femur length and each branch of the perforating arteries were studied.
Result : The mean length of femur was 42.4 ± 4.9 centimeters . The mean distances between the tip of the greater trochanter and first, second, third and terminal branch of perforating arteries were 9.6 ± 1.9 , 13.7 ± 2.4 , 17.3 ± 3.1 and 20.7 ± 2.7 centimeters, respectively. Pearson Correlation Coefficient between the femur length and the distances between the tip of the greater trochanter and first, second, third and terminal branch of perforating arteries were -0.014, -0.083, -0.003, -0.054 respectively.
Conclusion: This study showed a relationship between the femur and the perforating arteries as same as the previous studies. However, there were no correlation between femur length and each branch of the perforating arteries. In clinical application, the safe zone for inserted the wires or screws in the proximal femur are the area within 7 centemeters below the tip of the greater trochanter and 28 centemeters below the tip of the greater trochanter in the distal femur.
