title: Variations in the origin of the deep femoral artery: A meta-analysis.
abstract: The deep femoral artery (DFA) is the largest branch of the femoral artery (FA) and is responsible for vascularization of the thigh muscles. Knowledge of the anatomical variations in its origin point is important for surgeons and interventional radiologists. The aim of our study was to provide a comprehensive evidence-based assessment of its anatomical properties. An extensive search through the major electronic databases was conducted to find all articles reporting data on the anatomical characteristics of the DFA. No date limits or language restrictions were imposed. A total of 25 articles (n = 2,502 lower limbs) were included in the meta-analysis. Six different patterns of origin of the DFA from the FA were identified, the most common type being a posterior origin (38.8%, 95% CI 22.8-49.5%). The DFA most commonly branched off in the proximal third of the thigh, with a prevalence of 47.6% (95% CI 35.8-59.2%). The pooled mean distance of the DFA from its point of origin to the mid-inguinal point was 41.15 mm (95% CI 32.39-53.73). The point and level of origin of the DFA from the FA varies widely in the general population. Owing to this variability, accurate anatomical knowledge regarding the DFA is crucial for clinicians if iatrogenic injuries are to be avoided during procedures in the femoral region. Clin. Anat. 30:106-113, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
authors.affiliation: International Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group, Krakow, Poland.|Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Krzysztof A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Tomaszewski
authors.affiliation: International Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group, Krakow, Poland.|Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Brandon Michael
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.affiliation: International Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group, Krakow, Poland.|Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vikse
authors.affiliation: International Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group, Krakow, Poland.|Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Przemysław
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pękala
authors.affiliation: International Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group, Krakow, Poland.|Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Joyeeta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Maren
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Svensen
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Guay
authors.affiliation: International Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group, Krakow, Poland.|First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Wan Chin
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, Grenada.
authors.forename: Marios
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Loukas
authors.affiliation: International Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group, Krakow, Poland.|Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Jerzy A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Walocha
mesh_terms: D063405:Anatomic Variation; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans
keywords: deep femoral artery; evidence-based anatomy; meta-analysis