Anatomical study of the common iliac arteries

Background: The Common Iliac Arteries are the two terminal branches of the abdominal aorta which supply the pelvis and the lower extremities. The present study aims to examine the morphometric features of the common iliac arteries in a cadaveric sample and possible correlations between lengths. Materials and methods: Seventy-six formalin fixed cadavers of Greek origin were dissected in the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. In each cadaver dissected, the abdominal aorta and the common iliac arteries were identified and their lengths were measured. Also the torso length was measured and the height of each cadaver. All the statistical analysis was done by SPSS 15.0. Results: The mean length of the left common iliac artery was 6.12 cm (SD=±1.791, SE=0.205) and that of the right one was 6.03 cm (SD=±1.607, SE=0.184). The lengths of the common iliac arteries differ between the sexes, but no statistically significant difference was observed. Statistically significant differences regarding the torso lengths and body heights were found between the sexes, as well as a statistically strong correlation between the lengths of the left and right common iliac arteries in the cadavers dissected. Conclusions: The knowledge of the anatomy and morphology of the common iliac arteries is of great clinical significance, given that abnormal course, length or branching pattern of these vessels are not uncommon and their clinical impact may be great. Mostly interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons should be aware of this knowledge.