In vivo MR angiographic quantification of axial and twisting deformations of the superficial femoral artery resulting from maximum hip and knee flexion

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to quantify in vivo deformations of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) during maximum knee and hip flexion with use of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography to improve description of the complex, dynamic SFA environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast medium-enhanced MR angiography was performed on the leg vasculature of eight healthy adults in the supine and fetal positions. The SFA was defined as the centerline path of the iliofemoral segment from the profunda femoris to the descending genicular artery. Deformations that resulted from flexion from the supine position to the fetal position were quantified with the SFA path and its branches. RESULTS: Fourteen SFAs shortened from the supine position to fetal position, whereas two lengthened. Six of eight left SFAs twisted counterclockwise, and seven of eight right SFAs twisted clockwise. Straightness percentages for supine and fetal SFAs were 99.1% +/- 0.4% and 98.7% +/- 0.6%, respectively. From the supine position to the fetal position, the SFA shortened 13% +/- 11% (P < .001) and twisted 600 +/- 340 (P < .001). SFA arc length and percent shortening were strongly correlated (r > .8) between left and right limbs; however, no significant correlation existed for SFA twist angle. CONCLUSIONS: Complex and varying vascular and muscular anatomy among study participants made SFA lengths and deformations from the supine position to the fetal position unpredictable a priori; however, there were strong symmetries between left and right SFAs in terms of arc length, length change, and direction of twist. The data show that, from the supine position to the fetal position, the SFA tended to shorten and twist substantially, suggesting these as possible fracture mechanisms and also providing important parameters for stent design.