A 80-year-old man is admitted to the emergency depament with severe pain at his right hip and thigh. Patient had difficulty in standing and mobility at the joint was reduced due to the severe pain. Patient had a history of fall 2 days back. Patient also told that he had been taking steroids for the past 3 years. An MRI examination of the right hip region was done. Which of the following aeries is most likely to be injured resulting in the above condition:-

**Core Concept**
The patient's presentation of severe pain at the hip and thigh, difficulty in standing, and reduced joint mobility suggests a hip fracture, likely a femoral neck fracture. The patient's history of long-term steroid use increases the risk of osteoporosis, which can lead to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The femoral neck fracture is likely caused by avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. The femoral head receives its blood supply from the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries. However, the most critical blood supply comes from the medial circumflex femoral artery, which is responsible for supplying the posterior aspect of the femoral head. In the context of a femoral neck fracture, the blood supply to the femoral head can be compromised, leading to AVN. Long-term steroid use can also contribute to AVN by promoting fat cell infiltration into the bone marrow and disrupting the normal blood supply.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The superior gluteal artery primarily supplies the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, and is not directly involved in the blood supply to the femoral head.

**Option B:** The inferior gluteal artery primarily supplies the gluteus maximus muscle, and is not directly involved in the blood supply to the femoral head.

**Option C:** The obturator artery primarily supplies the medial aspect of the thigh and is not directly involved in the blood supply to the femoral head.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Long-term steroid use can lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures, particularly in the hip and spine. This is because steroids interfere with bone formation and resorption, leading to a net loss of bone density.

**Correct Answer:** C. The obturator artery primarily supplies the medial aspect of the thigh and is not directly involved in the blood supply to the femoral head.

✓ Correct Answer: D. Ascending branch of medial circumflex femoral