ISSN 2326-7275
International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 199–207
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001023
Research Article
Title: Morphometry and Branching Variations of the Human Deep Femoral Artery Evaluated by CT Angiography
Names of Authors: E. J. Santos¹, K. L. Johansson²*
Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
² Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract:
The deep femoral artery (arteria profunda femoris) supplies the muscular structures of the thigh. Its branches, the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, provide critical collateral networks that are essential during femoral neck fracture repairs, vascular bypasses, and anterolateral thigh flap procedures. This study evaluated the morphometric dimensions and branching patterns of the deep femoral artery using multi-detector computed tomography (CT) angiography. Lower limb CT angiograms of 280 adult patients (150 males, 130 females) were retrospectively examined. The deep femoral artery originated from the posterolaterally oriented wall of the common femoral artery in 64.2% of cases. The mean distance from the origin of the deep femoral artery to the mid-point of the inguinal ligament was 41.5 ± 8.4 mm. The lateral circumflex femoral artery arose directly from the deep femoral artery in 76.4% of subjects, while in 18.2% it originated directly from the common femoral artery. The medial circumflex femoral artery branched directly from the deep femoral artery in 61.8% of cases. Statistically significant lateral asymmetry was observed in distance measurements, with longer trunk lengths noted on the right limb (p < 0.05). These morphological findings confirm that variations in femoral arborization are common, highlighting the utility of preoperative CT angiographic maps for preserving vascular supply during femoral osteotomies.
Keywords: Deep femoral artery, Medial circumflex femoral artery, Computed tomography angiography, Anatomical variation, Femoral neck fracture.
Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 20, 2026; Revised: October 08, 2026; Accepted: October 26, 2026; Published: November 15, 2026.
Citation: Santos EJ, Johansson KL. Morphometry and Branching Variations of the Human Deep Femoral Artery Evaluated by CT Angiography. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 199–207. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001023