Anat Cell Biol.  2021 Mar;54(1):124-127. 10.5115/acb.20.237.

The ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery penetrating the posterior division of the femoral nerve

• Kim H
• Nam YS
• Kim YS

• KMID: 2514592
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.20.237

Abstract

Understanding anatomic variations in neurovascular structure inside the femoral triangle is crucial for regional anesthesiologists performing femoral nerve block. During routine dissection of a cadaver, an ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery with an anomalous course passing through the femoral nerve, specifically the posterior division, was identified inside the femoral triangle on the left thigh. The novel variation identified in this study occurred in an early stage of prenatal development. Recognition of this anatomic variation will be helpful for reducing unexpected complications during the femoral nerve block and the tensor fascia latae flap. Penetration of the posterior division of the femoral nerve by the arterial branch might cause pain or paresthesia of the medial aspect of the leg in the distribution of the saphenous nerve.

Keyword

Femoral nerve; Intraneural vessel; Lateral circumflex femoral artery; Anatomic variation

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) A case of anatomical variation in the femoral triangle of the left thigh. The ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery pierces the posterior division of the femoral nerve. The penetration site was partially dissected to expose the root of the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. (B) Normal anatomical structure in the femoral triangle of the left thigh. Blue cloth was inserted to make a clear distinction between the anterior division and the posterior division of the femoral nerve. AD, anterior division of the femoral nerve; AL, adductor longus muscle; Asc, ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery; DFA, deep femoral artery; FA, femoral artery; LCF, lateral circumflex femoral artery; PD, posterior division of the femoral nerve; Sa, sartorius muscle.

Reference

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