The anatomical knowledge of the arterial variations of lower extremity including femoral artery (FA), profunda femoris artery (PFA) and its branches is important in minimizing complications during vascular reconstructive surgeries, surgical interventions for embolism and catheterization procedures. The lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) is commonly a branch of the profunda femoris artery (PFA) and supplies blood to the upper end of the femur, vastus lateralis and the knee. The branches of LCFA are used in making anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of defects in face, aorto-popliteal bypass, coronary artery bypass grafting. Therefore, identification of variations of this artery is critical from a clinical and surgical point of view. In the present case, in the left lower extremity of a 50 yrs male cadaver, double origin of LCFA from lateral and anterior aspects of PFA was observed respectively. The branches of proximal LCFA were ascending, transverse and descending, whereas the distal LCFA gave transverse and descending branches besides muscular branches. On the right side only one LCFA was observed. LCFA is an important branch of PFA and the knowledge of its variations can be of great relevance during surgical and radiological procedures in the femoral region.
Key words: Anatomy, Profunda femoris artery, Lateral circumflex femoral artery, Arterial variations
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