The corona mortis (Latin for circle of death) is a vascular variant with a connection between the obturator artery and either the inferior epigastric or external iliac artery. Its frequency varies between different ethnic populations.
The artery cross the superior aspect of the pubic ramus where it may be subject to injury from trauma or surgery.
Damage to the artery can occur with:
(1) trauma with fracture of the pubic ramus
(2) hernia repair
(3) anterior surgical approach to the hip joint
(4) gunshot
The diameter of the vessels can vary between individuals, and a large vessel can bleed significantly. It can also retract into the pelvis, making the bleeding difficult to control.
The artery can serve as a source of collateral circulation between the internal and external iliac arteries.
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