Topography of the middle genicular artery are associated with the superior and inferior genicular arteries.

Abstract

Total knee arthroplasty has increased substantially, however anatomical studies of the genicular arteries (GAs) in this region are rare. The aim of this study was to identify the pattern and branching points of GAs and their relationship. In 42 lower limbs, the pattern and branching points of GAs were confirmed. The horizontal line which extends between the most prominent point of the lateral and medial margins of patella was defined as a reference line. The distance of branching point of the GAs from the reference line was measured, and the correlations between these points were analyzed. The superior lateral and medial genicular arteries (SLGA and SMGA) were located at + 38.17 ± 3.10 mm and + 32.68 ± 3.83 mm from the reference line, respectively. The middle genicular artery (MGA) was originated from + 7.57 ± 3.98 mm. The inferior lateral and medial genicular arteries (ILGA and IMGA) were located at - 18.46 ± 2.63 mm and - 24.09 ± 3.52 mm, respectively. The branching points of the SLGA changed significantly according to the arterial branching pattern with the MGA. In addition, the branching point of the MGA had positive relationships with that of the IMGA (r = 0.385, p <0.05) and that of the ILGA (r = 0.348, p <0.05), respectively. In this study, topography of the GAs and its anatomical association were demonstrated for the first time in Korean cadavers. Knowledge of the topography about frequent variation would be useful for safe surgery and clinical procedures.