Circumflex fibular artery: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:44, 15 February 2025

Circumflex Fibular Artery[edit]

Illustration of the circumflex fibular artery and its surrounding structures.

The circumflex fibular artery is a small artery in the lower limb that plays a crucial role in the vascular supply of the knee region. It is a branch of the posterior tibial artery, which itself is a continuation of the popliteal artery.

Anatomy[edit]

The circumflex fibular artery typically arises from the posterior tibial artery, although in some individuals, it may originate from the anterior tibial artery or the peroneal artery. It courses laterally around the neck of the fibula, an important bone in the lower leg, and supplies blood to the structures in the lateral aspect of the knee.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the circumflex fibular artery is to provide blood supply to the lateral compartment of the knee, including the lateral collateral ligament and the proximal tibiofibular joint. It also contributes to the vascular network around the knee, known as the genicular anastomosis, which ensures adequate blood flow to the knee joint and surrounding tissues.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injuries or surgical procedures involving the knee may affect the circumflex fibular artery. Understanding its course and branches is important for surgeons performing knee surgeries, such as total knee arthroplasty or arthroscopic surgery. Damage to this artery can lead to complications such as ischemia or necrosis of the tissues it supplies.

Variations[edit]

There are anatomical variations in the origin and course of the circumflex fibular artery. In some cases, it may be absent, or it may have a different origin, such as from the anterior tibial artery. These variations are important considerations during surgical planning and diagnostic imaging.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Circumflex fibular artery''' is a small but significant artery in the human body, primarily involved in the vascular supply of the knee joint and adjacent regions. This artery originates from the [[popliteal artery]], just below the knee, and plays a crucial role in the circulatory network around the knee and the fibula.
+== Circumflex Fibular Artery ==
-== Anatomy ==
+[[File:Gray551.png|thumb|right|300px|Illustration of the circumflex fibular artery and its surrounding structures.]]
-The circumflex fibular artery branches off from the [[popliteal artery]], which itself is a continuation of the [[femoral artery]] after it passes through the adductor hiatus. After its origin, the circumflex fibular artery courses laterally around the neck of the [[fibula]], a process that involves it winding around the bone to reach its anterior aspect. During its course, it is closely associated with the fibular collateral ligament of the knee and the [[biceps femoris]] muscle.
-This artery is known for its anastomoses (connections) with other arteries around the knee, including branches of the [[anterior tibial artery]], [[posterior tibial artery]], and the [[lateral superior genicular artery]]. These anastomoses are essential for providing a collateral circulation around the knee, especially important during knee flexion when the primary blood supply might be compromised.
+The '''circumflex fibular artery''' is a small artery in the lower limb that plays a crucial role in the vascular supply of the knee region. It is a branch of the [[posterior tibial artery]], which itself is a continuation of the [[popliteal artery]].
-== Function ==
+=== Anatomy ===
-The primary function of the circumflex fibular artery is to supply blood to the lateral aspect of the knee joint, the fibular head, and the upper part of the [[tibia]]. It also contributes to the blood supply of the surrounding muscles and the skin over this region. The collateral circulation established by its anastomoses ensures that the knee joint receives a sufficient blood supply even in positions that might occlude larger arteries.
-== Clinical Significance ==
+The circumflex fibular artery typically arises from the posterior tibial artery, although in some individuals, it may originate from the [[anterior tibial artery]] or the [[peroneal artery]]. It courses laterally around the neck of the [[fibula]], an important bone in the lower leg, and supplies blood to the structures in the lateral aspect of the knee.
-The circumflex fibular artery is of particular interest in orthopedic and vascular surgery. Its location and relationship with the fibula and knee joint make it a landmark in surgical procedures involving the knee. Moreover, its role in collateral circulation makes it a critical artery in the context of knee surgeries and reconstructions. Injury to this artery, though rare, can lead to complications such as inadequate blood supply to the knee region, which can affect healing and function post-surgery.
-In procedures such as knee arthroscopy or ligament reconstruction, knowledge of the circumflex fibular artery's anatomy is crucial to avoid inadvertent damage. Additionally, in cases of severe trauma or knee replacement surgeries, ensuring the integrity of this artery and its anastomoses is vital for maintaining proper blood flow to the knee and lower leg.
+=== Function ===
-== See Also ==
+The primary function of the circumflex fibular artery is to provide blood supply to the lateral compartment of the knee, including the [[lateral collateral ligament]] and the [[proximal tibiofibular joint]]. It also contributes to the vascular network around the knee, known as the [[genicular anastomosis]], which ensures adequate blood flow to the knee joint and surrounding tissues.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+Injuries or surgical procedures involving the knee may affect the circumflex fibular artery. Understanding its course and branches is important for surgeons performing knee surgeries, such as [[total knee arthroplasty]] or [[arthroscopic surgery]]. Damage to this artery can lead to complications such as [[ischemia]] or [[necrosis]] of the tissues it supplies.
+=== Variations ===
+There are anatomical variations in the origin and course of the circumflex fibular artery. In some cases, it may be absent, or it may have a different origin, such as from the anterior tibial artery. These variations are important considerations during surgical planning and diagnostic imaging.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Posterior tibial artery]]
 * [[Popliteal artery]]
-* [[Femoral artery]]
+* [[Genicular anastomosis]]
-* [[Anterior tibial artery]]
+* [[Fibula]]
-* [[Posterior tibial artery]]
 * [[Knee joint]]
-== References ==
-<references/>
-[[Category:Human anatomy]]
 [[Category:Arteries of the lower limb]]