Nerve
Saphenous nerve
Femoral sensory branch extending along the medial leg
High-yield
The nerve leaves the adductor canal without following the femoral vessels through the adductor hiatus. Farther down the leg, its close relationship with the great saphenous vein makes both structures relevant during local procedures.
Overview
The saphenous nerve branches from the femoral nerve in the thigh and passes through the adductor canal. Around the knee it becomes superficial, with branches to the infrapatellar region and the medial leg, ankle and foot.
Reference facts
- Root value
- L3–L4 through the femoral nerve
- Course
- Enters the adductor canal, crosses toward the medial side of the femoral artery, exits through the canal roof and becomes subcutaneous near the knee; descends medially beside the great saphenous vein
- Motor
- No skeletal-muscle motor supply
- Sensory
- Skin around the anterior-medial knee through the infrapatellar branch, and medial leg, ankle and part of the medial foot through distal branches
Clinical correlation
Knee surgery can injure its infrapatellar branch, and great saphenous vein harvesting can affect nearby sensory fibers. The resulting numbness or pain follows the injured branch; it does not necessarily involve the entire medial leg and foot.
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the saphenous nerve?
The saphenous nerve arises from L3–L4 through the femoral nerve.
What muscles does the saphenous nerve supply?
No skeletal-muscle motor supply.
What is the sensory distribution of the saphenous nerve?
Skin around the anterior-medial knee through the infrapatellar branch, and medial leg, ankle and part of the medial foot through distal branches.
What is the course of the saphenous nerve?
Enters the adductor canal, crosses toward the medial side of the femoral artery, exits through the canal roof and becomes subcutaneous near the knee; descends medially beside the great saphenous vein.