Morphological Variations and Morphometric Characteristics of the Femoral Artery and Its Branches in Nigerian Cadavers: A Cadaveric Study
Israel Ukie Gwunireama
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Gospel Uchechukwu Collins
*
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Clement Lawson
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Nigeria.
Christopher Olivia Ifechukwu
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The femoral artery and its branches exhibit anatomical variation that may influence procedures involving the femoral region. Population-specific cadaveric information on the morphology and morphometry of these vessels in Nigerians remains limited.
Aim: This study assessed the femoral artery and its principal branches in adult Nigerian cadavers.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional cadaveric study was conducted on 20 adult Nigerian cadavers (40 lower limbs) comprising 14 males and 6 females from three South-South Nigerian universities. Standard dissection techniques were used to expose the femoral arteries and branches. The origins and directions of the profunda femoris, medial circumflex femoral, and lateral circumflex femoral arteries were recorded. Morphometric parameters included relevant arterial distances, femoral triangle dimensions, and femoral artery inner diameter. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests for laterality, and independent-samples t-tests for sex differences, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The PFA showed considerable variation, with posterolateral origin being the most common pattern on both the right (50%) and left (40%) sides. The LCFA originated from the PFA in 70% of right-sided limbs and 65% of left-sided limbs, while the MCFA originated from the PFA in 65% of right-sided limbs and 60% of left-sided limbs. No significant right-left differences were observed in any morphometric parameter. However, males had a significantly greater right-sided distance from the inguinal ligament to the apex of the femoral triangle than females (232.34 ± 18.36 mm vs. 206.20 ± 19.13 mm; p = 0.010).
Conclusion: The femoral arterial system shows substantial morphological variation in Nigerian cadavers, particularly in the origins of the PFA and circumflex femoral arteries, with relative bilateral consistency in morphometric parameters. These findings provide population-specific anatomical data relevant to surgical and vascular procedures and highlight the importance of recognising femoral arterial variations in clinical practice.
Keywords: Femoral artery, profunda femoris artery, medial circumflex femoral artery, lateral circumflex femoral artery, femoral triangle, anatomical variation, morphometry, cadaveric anatomy, Nigerian population, vascular anatomy