Vessel
Small saphenous vein
Superficial venous route up the back of the calf
High-yield
The ankle landmarks separate the two saphenous routes: small saphenous runs behind the lateral malleolus; great saphenous runs in front of the medial malleolus. A thigh extension of the small saphenous vein can provide another drainage route.
Overview
The small saphenous vein starts from the lateral superficial veins of the foot and passes behind the lateral malleolus. It climbs the posterior calf toward the popliteal region, where it commonly joins the popliteal vein, although its upper connections vary.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Lateral marginal venous route from the lateral end of the foot's dorsal venous arch
- Course
- Passes behind the lateral malleolus and ascends over the posterior calf, usually entering the popliteal region between the gastrocnemius heads; the depth and upper course vary
- Branches
- Receives posterolateral superficial tributaries and communicates with the great saphenous and deep venous systems through connecting channels
- Supplies
- Returns blood from superficial tissues of the lateral foot and posterolateral leg
- Drains to
- Usually joins the popliteal vein; variable thigh extensions may connect to the great saphenous, femoral or other deep veins
Clinical correlation
The sural nerve may lie close to the small saphenous vein, making it vulnerable during venous surgery or thermal ablation. Both nerve relationships and the vein's upper junction vary, so ultrasound mapping helps clinicians plan around the individual's anatomy.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the small saphenous vein originate?
Lateral marginal venous route from the lateral end of the foot's dorsal venous arch.
What does the small saphenous vein supply?
The small saphenous vein supplies the returns blood from superficial tissues of the lateral foot and posterolateral leg.
Where does the small saphenous vein drain to?
Usually joins the popliteal vein; variable thigh extensions may connect to the great saphenous, femoral or other deep veins.
What are the branches of the small saphenous vein?
Receives posterolateral superficial tributaries and communicates with the great saphenous and deep venous systems through connecting channels.