Anatomical variations of iliolumbar artery and its relation with surgical landmarks

Objectives: The aim of this study was to reveal the variations of origin of iliolumbar artery, and its relations with the surrounding surgically important anatomical structures.

Methods: The origin, diameter, and tract of iliolumbar artery were determined bilaterally in 21 formalin-fixed adult male cadavers (21 right and 21 left arteries) in the Laboratory of Department of Anatomy.

Results: Iliolumbar artery was originating from common iliac artery in 4.8% (2 arteries), internal iliac artery in 71.4% (30 arteries), posterior trunk of internal iliac artery in 19% (8 arteries), and as two different arteries from internal iliac artery in 4.8% (2 arteries) of the cases. The mean diameter of the iliolumbar artery was 3.7 mm.

Conclusion: The anatomical properties of iliolumbar artery and its relation with anatomical landmarks, which were presented here, would be helpful in decreasing iatrogenic trauma to iliolumbar artery during surgery.