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Deep femoral artery (profunda femoris)

The deep femoral artery (profunda femoris artery) is the largest branch of the femoral artery, arising from its posterolateral aspect about 3–5 cm below the inguinal ligament. It is the chief blood supply to the thigh, particularly the adductor and extensor compartments, and plays an important role in collateral circulation around the hip and knee.

The artery descends posterolaterally, deep to the adductor longus, and courses between the adductor longus and adductor brevis/adductor magnus. Along its course, it gives rise to important branches:

  • Lateral circumflex femoral artery (supplies lateral thigh, hip, and knee)

  • Medial circumflex femoral artery (major supply to the femoral head and neck)

  • Perforating arteries (usually 3–4, supplying posterior compartment of thigh and femur)

  • Muscular branches to adductors, quadriceps, and hamstrings

The profunda femoris forms extensive anastomoses with obturator, gluteal, and popliteal arteries, contributing to collateral pathways in cases of femoral or iliac artery obstruction.

Clinically, the DCFA is critical in trauma, femoral fractures, vascular disease, and reconstructive surgery. Injury to it may cause severe hemorrhage. It is also a key vessel in peripheral arterial disease interventions.

Synonyms

  • Deep artery of thigh

  • Profunda femoris artery

  • Arteria profunda femoris

Function

  • Principal arterial supply to the thigh muscles (extensors, adductors, hamstrings)

  • Provides nutrient branches to the femur

  • Contributes to hip and knee vascular anastomoses

  • Ensures collateral circulation during femoral or iliac occlusion

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Appears as a linear hypointense flow void within hyperintense thigh fat planes

  • Marrow and soft tissues adjacent help delineate its position

T2-weighted images:

  • Normal flowing blood: signal void

  • Thrombosis or aneurysm: altered lumen signal (intermediate to hyperintense)

STIR:

  • Fat suppression makes the artery course more conspicuous

  • Perivascular inflammation, hematoma, or edema appear bright

T1 Fat-Suppressed Post-Gadolinium:

  • Artery enhances brightly and homogeneously

  • Useful for mapping branches (circumflex and perforators) and detecting stenosis or aneurysm

MRA Pelvis & Thigh with Gadolinium:

  • Depicts origin from femoral artery, descending course, and major branches

  • 3D MRA reconstructions clearly show perforators and anastomoses

  • Useful in vascular disease, surgical planning, and trauma mapping

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Vessel appears as a small soft-tissue density within thigh musculature

  • Calcified atherosclerotic plaques may be seen along arterial wall

CT Post-Contrast:

  • Artery opacifies brightly, highlighting branches and muscular distribution

  • Useful in detecting active hemorrhage, vascular tumors, or occlusions

CT Angiography (CTA):

  • Gold standard for non-invasive evaluation

  • Demonstrates origin, branches, perforators, and anastomotic networks

  • Multiplanar and 3D reconstructions allow detailed assessment for occlusive disease, aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, and trauma

  • Essential in vascular bypass planning, endovascular interventions, and reconstructive flap surgery

CT VRT 3D image

deep femoral artery (profunda femoris) CT 3D VRT anatomy image

CT image

deep femoral artery (profunda femoris) CT axial image MRI axial anatomy image-img-00000-00000

MRI image

Deep femoral artery MRI axial image MRI axial anatomy image-img-00000-00000