Superior lateral genicular artery

The superior lateral genicular artery (SLGA) is the lateral counterpart of the superior medial genicular artery and supplies the superolateral structures of the knee and participates in the vascularisation of the patella.

Summary

• location: knee
• origin: popliteal artery
• branches: anterior and posterior branch
• supply: superolateral aspect of the knee

Gross anatomy

The superior lateral genicular artery originates from the popliteal artery approximately 3-7 cm above the joint line of the knee ¹ and courses laterally above and posterior to the lateral femoral condyle beneath the distal biceps femoris tendon. It divides into two major branches posterior to the lateral intermuscular septum and gives off cutaneous branches ².

Branches

The superior lateral genicular artery splits into two branches and cutaneous perforating branches ^1,2:

• anterior or superficial branch: courses anteriorly to the superolateral part of the patella
• posterior or deep branch: courses anteriorly supplying the lateral femoral condyle and the vastus lateralis muscle

It anastomoses with the following arteries ^1-4:

• descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery
• inferior lateral genicular artery
• superior medial genicular artery
• descending genicular artery

Supply

The superior lateral genicular artery participates in the supply of the following structures ^1,2:

• lateral femoral condyle
• lateral gastrocnemius muscle head
• vastus lateralis muscle
• biceps femoris muscle
• iliotibial tract
• patella and quadriceps tendon

Clinical importance

The superior lateral genicular artery can be injured within the scope of knee surgery such as total knee arthroplasty  ^4,5.

Related pathology

• pseudoaneurysm