Intrinsic Width-Diameter Coupling of External and Internal Iliac Vessels: A Cadaveric Study With Surgical Implications.

INTRODUCTION

The external and internal iliac arteries and veins supply the pelvis and lower extremities. However, quantitative morphometric data remain limited. The objective of this study was to characterize the geometric relationships of the external and internal iliac arteries and veins.

METHODS

A total of 121 formalin-embalmed donors were dissected to expose the external and internal iliac vessels. Measurements were collected 1.5 cm from the branching point of the external and internal iliac arteries and veins. Demographic information regarding sex and pre-embalming body weight was obtained from the donor program database. Digital calipers to the nearest 0.01 mm were used for linear measurements. Morphometric relationships were evaluated using linear regression analysis, with coefficients of determination (R2) used to assess explanatory strength.

RESULTS

A linear relationship was present between the vessel width and diameter for both arteries and veins, yielding R2 values between 0.89 and 0.97. In contrast, associations between body weight and venous diameter were weak, explaining a limited proportion of variance (R2 ≈ 0.13-0.14), while arterial diameter and vessel length showed minimal or no association with body weight. Sex differences were pronounced, with males consistently presenting larger values for diameter, width, and medial thickness. Assessment of laterality demonstrated minor asymmetries, although right-sided veins exhibited greater variability and, on occasion, larger diameters than their left-sided counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the diameter and width of both the external and internal iliac arteries and veins follow a typical width-to-diameter pattern, with a weak but measurable association with body weight and a consistent relationship by gender.