International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 401–412

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000201

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Variations in the Origin and Branching Sequence of the Human Profunda Femoris Artery: A Digital Subtraction Angiography Evaluation

Names of Authors: Elena M. Popa¹, Andrei G. Ionescu²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; ²Department of Interventional Radiology, Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Abstract:
The profunda femoris artery (PFA) and its circumflex branches are crucial vascular structures involved in collateral circulation around the hip, making precise mapping essential for femoral artery catheterizations, hip surgeries, and bypass grafting. This study used digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to classify the origin site and branching patterns of the PFA within a Romanian cohort. Three hundred lower limb angiograms from 150 patients were retrospectively evaluated. The distance from the PFA origin to the mid-inguinal point was determined, and the branching configurations of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA) and lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) were logged. The PFA arose most frequently from the posterolateral aspect of the femoral artery (48.3% of cases). The mean distance of its origin below the mid-inguinal point was 42.5 ± 5.6 mm. The MFCA and LFCA originated from the PFA trunk in 68.2% and 72.3% of cases, respectively. Variant configurations where the MFCA or LFCA arose directly from the common femoral artery were documented in 18.4% and 14.5% of angiograms. A high origin of the PFA (less than 15.0 mm below the inguinal ligament) was noted in 6.3% of the limbs. These imaging statistics emphasize the variable nature of femoral arterial branchings, offering valuable guidance to reduce vascular puncture complications.

Keywords: Profunda Femoris Artery, Medial Femoral Circumflex Artery, Lateral Femoral Circumflex Artery, Angiography, Inguinal Ligament

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 14, 2026; Revised: September 12, 2026; Accepted: September 23, 2026; Published: September 30, 2026

Citation: Popa E.M., & Ionescu A.G. (2026). Variations in the Origin and Branching Sequence of the Human Profunda Femoris Artery: A Digital Subtraction Angiography Evaluation. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 15(9), 401–412. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000201

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