During an ilioinguinal approach for an anterior column acetabular fracture, the surgeon encounters a vessel crossing the lacuna vasorum that connects the external iliac system to the obturator system. Unrecognized division of this vessel can cause troublesome hemorrhage from both ends because it retracts into the pelvis. This vessel is called:

• A Deep circumflex iliac artery
• B Inferior epigastric artery
• C Corona mortis ✓
• D Accessory obturator artery

Explanation

Corona mortis is the vascular anastomosis between the external iliac (or inferior epigastric) vessels and the obturator vessels, crossing the superior pubic ramus within the lacuna vasorum. If cut, both ends retract and bleed from two systems, making it dangerous during ilioinguinal and modified Stoppa approaches. The deep circumflex iliac and inferior epigastric arteries arise from the external iliac and do not connect to the obturator system across the ramus.

Reference: Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.