In Vivo MR Angiographic Quantification of Axial and Twisting Deformations of the Superficial Femoral Artery Resulting from Maximum Hip and Knee Flexion

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.