The cruciate anastomosis 1 forms part of the blood supply of the femoral head along with the trochanteric anastomosis and the ligamentum teres.
The medial circumflex femoral artery and the lateral circumflex femoral artery form a ring around the femoral neck. The transverse branches of these two arteries then form an anastomosis with the descending branch of the inferior gluteal artery (from the anterior division internal iliac artery). The ascending branch of the first perforating artery also forms part of this anastomosis.
Damage to these blood vessels, either from direct trauma or other causes (e.g. long-term steroids, chronic alcohol use, among others) can result in avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
Summary
- arteries:
- transverse branches of medial and lateral circumflex arteries
- descending branch of the inferior gluteal artery
- ascending branch of the first perforating artery
- supplies:
- femoral head and neck