Inferior Medial Genicular Artery, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the popliteal artery near the inferior border of the popliteus, the inferior medial genicular artery wraps anteriorly around the medial aspect of the proximal tibia toward the anteromedial tibial plateau. From an anterior perspective, it lies deep to the pes anserinus tendons (sartorius, gracilis, semitendinosus) and courses close to the medial collateral ligament before contributing branches to the medial joint capsule and meniscus. The femoral condyles sit superiorly, the tibial plateau inferiorly, with the vessel tracking from posterior medial to anterior medial across the joint line. Small accompanying veins may be suggested alongside the artery. Attention to this artery matters because it is part of the genicular anastomosis that maintains periarticular perfusion when the knee is flexed, and it also becomes a practical landmark during surgery on the medial knee. Injury can occur during medial arthrotomy, high tibial osteotomy, medial meniscal repair, or hamstring tendon harvest for ACL reconstruction, where dissection near the pes anserinus risks vascular bleeding and postoperative hematoma. Its relationship to the superficial medial collateral ligament and the anteromedial capsule is the teaching point. Know where it runs. Use this image to support lower limb anatomy teaching on the knee’s arterial supply, to illustrate genicular contributions in textbooks and review articles, or to orient trainees for medial approaches in sports medicine and arthroplasty planning materials. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.