[Posterior circumflex artery: anatomical study. Technical inferences for circular capsolotomy in Sugioka's femoral osteotomy].

A description of the medial femoral circumflex artery in its extra-capsular course has been made from cadaveric dissections and operative findings. A method of exposure of the joint capsule followed by circumferential capsulotomy required for rotation transtrochanteric osteotomy of the femoral neck (Sugioka's operation) is described. This method, which is guided by precise anatomical landmarks, limits the risk of injury to the medial femoral circumflex artery. This study is a preliminary step in the consideration of the technical problems posed by this osteotomy, particularly the identification of the plane of bone section and internal fixation.