Deep Femoral Artery

arteria profunda femoris

The profunda femoris (deep femoral artery) is the largest branch of the femoral artery and the primary blood supply to the thigh muscles through its perforating branches. The medial circumflex femoral artery from its origin is the dominant blood supply to the femoral head via the retinacular vessels, making profunda femoris branches the arteries at risk in femoral neck fractures that produce avascular necrosis.

Region: Thigh

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Femoral artery approximately 4 cm below the inguinal ligament

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The medial circumflex femoral artery, the primary femoral head blood supply, runs posteriorly around the femoral neck and enters the femoral head retinacular vessels — explaining why displaced femoral neck fractures disrupt this supply and produce avascular necrosis in up to 30 percent of cases. The profunda femoris is preserved in femoral artery occlusion and provides collateral flow to the distal limb through its perforating branches.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Femoral Head AVN

Medial circumflex femoral artery disruption from displaced femoral neck fracture producing avascular necrosis in 15 to 30 percent of cases, requiring femoral head monitoring and arthroplasty when collapse occurs.