The anatomy of the small saphenous vein: Fascial and neural relations, saphenofemoral junction, and valves

Different types of the saphenopopliteal junction (spj). Types A-C are labeled according to the UIP-consensus; we suggest to expand this typology by adding type “D” representing a doubled saphenopopliteal junction, and type “E” representing a web-style saphenopopliteal junction. pv, popliteal vein; ssv, short saphenous vein; te, thigh extension.

Distal entry of the short saphenous vein to the saphenous compartment. t, Tributary veins to the short saphenous vein; s, sural nerve; arrow, entry point of the short saphenous vein to the saphenous compartment.

Web-style saphenopopliteal junction (type “E”). The short saphenous venin (SSV) is doubled itself (right margin), the upper portion continues up the thigh (TE); both portions are connected with several thin, regularly shaped veins with the PV. ssv, Short saphenous vein; te, thigh extension of the ssv; c, multiple connections of the ssv to the popliteal vein; tn, tibial nerve; fn, common fibular nerve.

Doubled saphenopopliteal junction (type “D”). ssv, Short saphenous vein; te, thigh extension of the ssv; pv, popliteal vein; tn, tibial nerve; arrows, doubled saphenopopliteal junction.

Location of the most proximal valves within the saphenopopliteal junction.

Idealized saphenopopliteal junction. ssv, Short saphenous vein; pv, popliteal vein; spj, saphenopopliteal junction; te, thigh extension; TV, terminal valve; PTV, preterminal valve; arrow, direction of physiologic blood flow distances were measured from the entrance of the SPJ into the PV.