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Profunda Femoris: (deep femoral artery)


- Discussion:
    - largest branch of femoral artery in femoral triangle;
    - arises on lateral side of femoral artery, 3-5 cm below inguinal lig;
    - passes on surface of pectineus  & adductor brevis;
    - passes posteriorly, lying behind  femoral artery  & vein on medial
         side of femur, passing behind tendon of adductor longus;
    - courses to lie directly on adductor magnus, perforating branches pass
         between edge of femur and tendinous insertion of add magnus

- Branches:
    - lateral circumflex
    - medial circumflex femoral artery
    - branch to adductor magnus
    - perforating branches
    - terminal branch (4 th perforator)

- Trauma to Profunda:
    - ischemia of foot is uncommon unless there is underlying significant atherosclerotic disease of superficial femoral artery;
    - many injuries to the profunda are initially not detected & present as late false aneurysms;
    - profunda femoris artery is at risk of injury during orthopedic procedures from perforation by metallic screws;
    - ligation of vessel for proximal injuries is contraindicated because this may be important collateral pathway, esp in atherosclerotic population



Vascular proximity: is it a valid indication for arteriography in asymptomatic patients.

Simulation of compartment syndrome by rupture of the deep femoral artery from blunt trauma.


Illustrated Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation: Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation: Femoral Artery

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation: Profunda Femoris Artery

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation: Medial and Lateral Femoral Circumflex Arteries