Abstract
Objectives: To define neurovascular anatomical features of vastus
lateralis muscle (VIM) and to define distances between definite anatomical
landmarks and points of origin of these structures.
Materials & Methods: Neurovascular pedicle to VIM was identified
and dissected in 10 adult human cadavers to determine: number of arterial
branches to the muscle and their calibers, distance between the
site of perforator's entry to the muscle and the tibial tuberosity (TT) and
anterior superior iliac spine (AS1S), the length of the VIM and its arc of
rotation, the distance between the mid-inguinal point, greater trochanter,
ASIS and lateral epicondyle and T7' and the site of entry of the muscular
branches of the femoral nerve to the VIM.
Results: Blood supply of VIM was provided through three branches.
The proximal branch originated from the ascending or transverse
branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA), the middle
branch arises from the ascending or descending branch of LCFA and
the dominant distal vascular arises mainly from the descending branch
of LCFA. Femoral nerve (FN) gave a single nerve trunk which divides
into a short proximal and a long distal branch to supply VLM. The proximal
division in turn divides into two short proximal and distal branches
entered the proximal part of VIM Just below the muscle ridge. The
distal division coursed over the anterior aspect of VIM along its anteromedial
border, with descending branch of the LCFA and divides distally
into proximal and distal terminal branches which entered the lower
third of the muscle. Additionally, FN gave two separate motor branches |
