75 - Anomalous Origination of the Lateral Femoral Circumflex Artery in a Male Cadaver: An Anatomical Case Study

Poster Board Number: 75
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Odd poster #s – first hour
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Co-authors:

Surya Adams - Graduate Student, Michigan State University and Harvard University; Rylee Lane, BA - Human Anatomy Dissector, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine

Abstract Body : Introduction: The lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) is of great clinical significance, as interventionists from a variety of specialties use this artery for reconstructive surgeries, catheterization procedures, and embolization. It is also at risk during surgical procedures involving the hip joint. As such, documenting variations in the origination and pathway of this artery is important.



Methods: As part of an anatomy elective at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, a medical student completed a prosection of the anterior thigh. The embalmed cadaver was an 83-year-old male with a known medical history of dementia. An anomalous right LFCA was identified by the medical student during cadaveric prosection.



Results: The aberrant right LFCA originated within the abdomen from the inferior epigastric artery and traveled inferiorly through the subinguinal space to the anterior thigh. Within the thigh, it coursed inferiorly between the sartorius and rectus femoris muscles where it further divided into the ascending, transverse, and descending lateral femoral circumflex arteries to supply the soft tissues surrounding the hip joint. The left LFCA demonstrated classic presentation, originating from the profunda femoral artery.



Conclusions: The literature states that the LFCA most commonly originates from the profunda femoral artery. Anatomical variations resembling the one found in this cadaver are extremely rare with an incidence rate of less than 0.5%. Thus, we believe documenting a variation such as this is of great significance because it may serve as an additional source of knowledge to prevent the risk of operative and postoperative complications involving the LFCA.