Study of the arterial vascularisation of the medial tibial condyle in the fetus

Summary Varus deformity of the knee is common in young children who have suffered from fulminating purpura. This study was directed at the anatomic features of the vascularisation of the upper end of the tibia that might account for such deformation. It was based on the dissection of 28 anatomic specimens prepared by injection of Indian ink into the vascular trunk. 16 specimens were diaphanised for better analysis of the intracartilaginous distribution of the vessels. The study showed that the vascularisation of the medial condyle of the tibia is poor and of terminal nature, which may explain the occurrence of ischemic growth disorders following fulminating purpura.