The Importance of the Saphenous Nerve in Ankle Surgery

Recent evidence suggests that the saphenous nerve may be involved in the innervation of deeper structures at the medial ankle. In this study, we sought to determine the consistency and variability of the saphenous nerve innervation at the distal tibia and medial ankle joint capsule.

One hundred three lower extremities from 52 embalmed cadavers were dissected to identify the deep branches of saphenous nerve along its distal course.

In all specimens, the saphenous nerve had branches, emerging between 3.9 and 8.2 cm above the medial malleolus, to the periosteum of the distal tibia and the medial capsule of the ankle joint.

Deep branches of the saphenous nerve innervate the periosteum of the distal tibia and talocrural capsule.