Overview

The deep femoral artery arises from the lateral or back surface of the femoral artery, about 3–5 cm below the inguinal ligament. It runs down behind the femoral vessels and then between pectineus, adductor longus and adductor brevis, lying close to the femur.

The medial circumflex femoral artery winds backward around the medial side of the femur. Its retinacular branches run up the neck of the femur and are the main supply to the femoral head in adults. The lateral circumflex femoral artery passes laterally and has ascending, transverse and descending branches.

Three or four perforating arteries pierce adductor magnus to supply the hamstrings. The deep femoral artery ends as the fourth perforating artery.

Around the hip, the circumflex arteries form the cruciate and trochanteric anastomoses with the gluteal arteries.

Anatomy

Branches: The medial circumflex femoral artery, the lateral circumflex femoral artery and three or four perforating arteries.

Function

Supplies the adductor, extensor and posterior (hamstring) muscles of the thigh.
Supplies the femoral head and neck through the medial circumflex femoral artery.
Provides collateral flow around a blocked superficial femoral artery.

Clinical significance

Femoral neck fracture and avascular necrosis

A displaced fracture inside the hip capsule tears the retinacular branches of the medial circumflex femoral artery. The femoral head can then die (avascular necrosis). This is why such fractures in older patients are usually treated with a joint replacement rather than fixation.

Collateral circulation

When the superficial femoral artery is blocked, the deep femoral artery feeds the leg below through connections with the genicular arteries around the knee. Surgically widening the origin of the deep femoral artery (profundaplasty) can preserve the limb.

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.