The blood supply of the head of the femur.

Describe the blood supply of the head of the femur.  

 

 Greater part of the head of the femur
o By retinacular arteries along retinacular part of capsule
o Branches from trochanteric anastomoses formed by,
 Superior gluteal artery
 Medial circulflex femoral artery- ascending branch
 Lateral circumflex femoral artery- ascending branch
 Inferior gluteal artery(occasionally)
 Arteries via ligamentum teres capitis
o Major supply to femoral head before puberty
o Acetabular branch of obturator artery
o Negligible in adults (prominent in children)
 Diaphysial artery – 2nd perforator of profundus femoris artery