Inferior Lateral Genicular Artery, Lateral View

Description

Arising from the popliteal artery, the inferior lateral genicular artery tracks laterally and anteriorly across the posterolateral knee, passing inferior to the lateral femoral condyle and skirting the margin of the lateral tibial condyle. Along its course it lies deep to the biceps femoris tendon and adjacent to the fibular (lateral) collateral ligament, with the iliotibial tract and lateral retinacular fibers more superficial. The vessel contributes to the periarticular genicular network, sending branches toward the lateral joint capsule and proximal tibiofibular region. From a lateral perspective, this artery is easiest to appreciate as a landmark for perfusion of the lateral capsule and for collateral flow when the superficial femoral or popliteal segment is compromised, because the genicular anastomosis can maintain distal runoff in chronic occlusive disease. Orthopedic approaches that work around the lateral femoral condyle and proximal tibia, including lateral meniscal repair corridors, tibial plateau fixation, and fibular head dissection, risk iatrogenic injury to the inferior lateral genicular artery or its small muscular branches. Small vessel bleeding here can be deceptively persistent. In trauma, the same territory helps explain hemarthrosis patterns and periarticular hematoma spread after lateral tibial plateau fractures. Educators will find this plate useful in lower-limb anatomy and vascular modules when teaching the popliteal fossa, the genicular anastomosis, and the layered relationships of the lateral knee. It also suits surgical atlases, interventional radiology primers on knee collateral circulation, and clinical materials discussing periarticular vascular injury in sports and fracture care. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.