Basic anatomy of the superficial venous system of the lower extremity with ultrasonographic correlation

Abstract

Superficial veins of the lower extremity are
topographically divided into: 1) Veins of the medial
aspect of the extremity (great saphenous vein and
branches). 2) Veins of the lateral aspect of the extremity.
3) Veins of the posterior aspect of the extremity (small
saphenous vein and branches) and, 4) Communicating
veins. Superficial veins lie above the muscular fascia,
deep veins lie below the muscular fascia and perforating veins run through the muscular fascia and connect
deep and superficial veins. A thinner fascial plane,
the saphenous fascia, covers the saphenous trunks
and separates them from their branches. B-mode
ultrasonography provides real time, high resolution
imaging of the veins of the lower extremity and of
their variants. Pulsed-wave and color Doppler provide
hemodynamic information for the diagnosis and grading
of venous insufficiency. Thorough knowledge of the
anatomy of superficial lower limb veins and expertise in
ultrasonographic study of these veins are prerequisites
for the diagnosis and interventional treatment of venous
insufficiency of the lower extremity.