Distribution of vascular foramina around the femoral head and neck junction: relevance for conservative intracapsular procedures of the hip.

Precise knowledge of femoral head vascular anatomy is mandatory for the safe execution of intracapsular surgical procedures aimed at preserving the hip joint. No quantitative topographic data exist concerning the exact location and distribution of the entrance of these vessels through nutrient vascular foramina at the femoral head and neck junction. This study shows that only a few significant retinacular vessels may reach the adult femoral head on its anterior aspect and that most vascular foramina are located close to the antero- and posterosuperior regions of the femoral head and neck junction. This larger segment should be carefully protected during any conservative intracapsular procedure of the hip and may be desirable in femoral head resurfacing arthroplasty.