The innominate tributary of the small saphenous vein: Anatomical considerations

Abstract

Background

The innominate tributary of the small saphenous vein can be found medial to the calcaneal tendon, coursing proximally and draining into the trunk of the small saphenous vein in the distal third of the leg. The aim of our scientific paper is to thoroughly describe this innominate tributary, its incidence and relation to surrounding structures through anatomical dissection.

Methods

Authors thoroughly dissected sixty-one body donor lower limbs. As an adequate point of reference for measurements, the apex/tip of the lateral malleolus was selected. If a venous perforator was present, its position was related to the sole of the foot and to the posterior margin of the medial malleolus. In addition, each fibula was measured as a representation of the length of each limb.

Results

The investigated vein was found among 68.85 % (42/61) of lower limbs. Moreover, twenty-six bodies (83.87 %) evinced the vein in at least one of their legs. The average communication point with the trunk of the small saphenous vein lied 15.04 ± 3.94 cm (male limbs) and 15.05 ± 2.29 cm (female limbs) proximal to the lateral malleolus. On top of that, 82.93 % of veins also showed an interconnection with the posterior tibial perforators.

Conclusion

This paper provides detailed anatomical data about the innominate tributary of the small saphenous vein. Our observation may propose new alternatives to traditional venous grafts from saphenous veins. Moreover, a significant relation to the perforators of the leg was found. Lastly, authors propose to denominate this vein as Achillean vein or calcaneal tendon vein.