Anatomical landmark of descending genicular artery for minimidvastus approach of the knee.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the anatomical course of descending genicular artery and to identify a safety zone for minimidvastus approach.


METHODS
Forty-eight knees from twenty-four fresh cadavers were dissected to identify the descending genicular artery, and to measure the distance between such artery and superomedial pole of the patella as well as the entry angle of such artery to the perpendicular line of the vertical axis of the patella.


RESULTS
The average distance between the descending genicular artery and superomedial pole of the patella was 8.1 millimeters (0-19 millimeters) and the average entry angle of such artery to the patella was 44.5 degrees (32-60 degrees).


CONCLUSIONS
The safety zone for splitting the vastus medialis in minimidvastus approach was the angle of not more than 32 degrees from the perpendicular line of the vertical axis of the patella. However, there is no safety zone in term of the distance between the dissected vastus medialis and the superiormedial border of the patella.
Thiengwittayaporn
Satit
S
Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Medical College and Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. satitthh@hotmail.com
Paradeerujira
Somkhuan
S
Tanavalee
Aree
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods*; D002102:Cadaver; D004210:Dissection; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010329:Patella / Q000098:blood supply*; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult