Blood Supply of the Femoral Head
The blood supply to the femoral head is critical, particularly following trauma, as its disruption can lead to avascular necrosis (AVN).
Key Sources
- Medial Circumflex Femoral Artery (MCFA): The most important source. It provides the ascending cervical branches (retinacular arteries) that travel along the femoral neck to supply the bulk of the head.
- Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery (LCFA): Contributes to the blood supply, primarily through its ascending branches.
- Artery of the Ligamentum Teres: A branch of the obturator artery. It provides a minimal, often insufficient, blood supply to the femoral head, particularly in adults.
Clinical Correlations
| Condition | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Femoral Neck Fracture | Disruption of the retinacular arteries from the MCFA significantly increases the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN). |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes | Idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in children is related to vascular compromise. |
High-Yield Exam Pearl:
The medial circumflex femoral artery is the primary vascular supply to the femoral head. Because these vessels travel along the femoral neck, displaced subcapital (femoral neck) fractures are notorious for severing this supply, making AVN a major complication.