The short saphenous vein is the continuation of the lateral marginal vein of the dorsum of the foot. It then describes a curve with an anterosuperior concavity and passes underneath and then behind the lateral malleolus (Figure 89). The lateral retromalleolar sulcus lies between the lateral malleolus and tendo calcaneus. The skin is very thin and fragile in this zone, which facilitates the development of edema. This richly innervated region is also vets sensitive. The short saphenous vein is accompanied…
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The short saphenous vein can receive veins derived from the long saphenous vein. These intersaphenous communications are ensured by a Giacomini vein or by the reticular venous plexus of the medial surface of the calf (Figure 88-1).These may sometimes correspond to direct communicating veins, which form a real intersaphenous plexus (Figure 88-2). The saphenopopliteal junction can therefore be competent, while the underlying trunk presents signs of reflux derived from the long saphenous territory. Other collaterals of the short saphenous vein…
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Duplications of the short saphenous vein are much less common than duplications of the long saphenous vein. These duplicates have a small diameter and are sometimes missed on an excessively rapid ultrasound examination. Their parietal composition is similar to that of the main short saphenous trunk, with a linear wall of constant thickness. They travel parallel to the short saphenous vein. Their level of anastomosis with the deep network and their site of transfascial penetration are variable and may differ…
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The relationships of the short saphenous vein with the deep fascia of the leg (fascia cruris) are characterized by their marked variability and their intimate correlations. In 60% of cases, the short saphenous vein travels above the fascia in the lower third of the leg. It then perforates the fascia in the middle third of the leg (15 to 25 cm above the lateral malleolus) and continues to ascend underneath the fascia to the saphenopopliteal junction (Figure 82). Figure 82…
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In the popliteal fossa, the short saphenous vein curves 4 cm above the popliteal crease to describe an anterior concave arch before terminating on the posterior or posterolateral surface of the popliteal vein (Figure 77). However, there are many variants of this classical arrangement, and several classifications of the modes of termination of the short saphenous vein have been proposed on the basis of surgical and radiographic arguments. Mercier’s classification describes six types of terminations: I: The saphenopopliteal junction is…
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