Nutrient arteries of femur
Arteriae nutriciae ossis femoris
- Latin synonym: Arteriae nutrientes ossis femoris; Arteriae nutriciae femoris; Arteriae nutrientes femoris
- Synonym: Femoral nutrient arteries
- Related terms: Femoral nutrient arteries
Definition
The nutrient arteries of the femur are one or two nutrient arteries, which enter the femur through nutrient foramina located along the linea aspera.
In cases with a single nutrient artery, it most commonly arises from the profunda femoris artery between the origins of the third and fourth perforating arteries, the second perforating artery, the third perforating artery, or the terminal branch of the profunda femoris artery.[1] When there are two nutrient arteries, the superior nutrient artery usually originates from the second perforating artery, while the inferior nutrient artery arises from the terminal branch of the profunda femoris artery or the popliteal system.[1]
The nutrient artery canals are most frequently located in the middle third of the femoral diaphysis, with the outer ostia predominantly found on the medial lip of the linea aspera.[2] The nutrient canals generally course upwards (95%), with a few exhibiting transverse (3%) or downward (2%) courses.[2]
References
1.Anatomic Characterization of the Femoral Nutrient Artery: Application to Fracture and Surgery of the Femur.Kawasaki Y, Kinose S, Kato K, Sakai T, Ichimura K.Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.). 2020;33(4):479-487. doi:10.1002/ca.23390.
2.The Demonstration of the Number, Course, and the Location of Nutrient Artery Canals of the Femur by Multidetector Computed Tomography.Imre N, Battal B, Acikel CH, et al.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA. 2012;34(5):427-32. doi:10.1007/s00276-011-0930-7.
