Middle genicular artery

The middle genicular artery (a. genu media; azygos articular artery) is a small branch, arising opposite the back of the knee-joint. It pierces the oblique popliteal ligament, and supplies the ligaments and synovial membrane in the interior of the articulation.

The middle genicular artery can have variable origins: in some cases, it shares a common trunk with the superior lateral genicular artery (SLGA) or both the SLGA and the superior medial genicular artery (SMGA).[1-2]

The middle genicular artery  has an average length of approximately 15.6 mm and an outer diameter of about 1.8 mm.[1] It follows a curved path and enters the posterior capsule of the knee joint. The point of entry into the joint capsule is, on average, 34.88 mm from the lateral femoral epicondyle and 46.38 mm from the medial femoral epicondyle. It is located 5.74 mm lateral to the posterior midline and 28.73 mm vertically from the femoral subcondylar plane.[1]

After passing the joint capsule, the middle genicular artery divides into two small medial and lateral branches.