Middle genicular artery

The middle genicular artery (azygos articular artery) is a small branch of the popliteal artery. It supplies parts of the knee joint.

Middle genicular artery
Details
Suppliesligaments and synovial membrane in the interior of the knee-joint
Identifiers
Latinarteria media genus
TA98A12.2.16.036
TA24702
FMA22536
Anatomical terminology

Structure

The middle genicular artery arises from the anterolateral surface of the popliteal artery.[1][2] This is distal to the superior genicular arteries, between the medial condyle of the femur and the lateral condyle of the femur.[2] It has two venae comitantes along its length. It pierces the oblique popliteal ligament and the joint capsule of the knee.[1]

The middle genicular artery is usually between 2 and 4 mm in total diameter.[1] It is usually between 3 and 5 cm long.[1]

Variation

The middle genicular artery may have a common origin with the lateral genicular artery.[1]

The angle at which the middle genicular artery leaves the popliteal artery varies with flexion and extension of the knee.[1] It may form a near 90° when the knee is flexed, but and angle between 15° and 30° when the knee is extended.[1]

Function

The middle genicular artery supplies the anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament.[2] It also supplies the synovial membrane at the bottom of the knee.[2]

Clinical significance

The middle genicular artery may be damaged during knee arthroscopy, particularly using a posterior approach through the popliteal fossa.[1] It may also be damaged in traumatic injuries to the knee, often caused by sports.[2]

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 633 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. Salaria H, Atkinson R (April 2008). "Anatomic study of the middle genicular artery". Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery. 16 (1): 47–9. doi:10.1177/230949900801600112. PMID 18453659. S2CID 34321933.
  2. de Carvalho RT, Ramos LA, Novaretti JV, Ribeiro LM, Szeles PR, Ingham SJ, Abdalla RJ (December 2016). "Relationship Between the Middle Genicular Artery and the Posterior Structures of the Knee: A Cadaveric Study". Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 4 (12): 2325967116673579. doi:10.1177/2325967116673579. PMC 5175417. PMID 28050573.
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