Persistent bilateral sciatic artery: Report of a rare case

Abstract

The sciatic artery – a rare finding on autopsy – and continuation of the inferior gluteal artery has been reported previously. On a routine dissection, bilateral persistent sciatic arteries were found in both thighs of a female cadaver. This provided evidence that the sciatic artery follows the sciatic nerve, supplies the back of the thigh and finally joins the popliteal artery near the knee. The profunda femoris artery was completely absent bilaterally. The present report strengthens the view that the sciatic artery plays a major role in supplying blood to the lower limbs in utero and its existence after birth may have significant clinical importance.