The anatomical variables of the sapheno-popliteal junction visualization by radiological and echographic examinations

Increasing interest on the short saphenous vein has been induced by its employment as autologus graft in arterial surgery and for being held responsible for the onset and development of varicose veins of the lower limbs and postoperative recurrence. These two clinical conditions require a more precise assessment of the short saphenous anatomy and its variables previously described in literature. A verify of the anatomical variations of the sapheno-popliteal junction and of the short saphenous outlet in 528 not randomized limbs was performed in separate groups by the following methods: High Resolution Echography, preoperative ascending Phlebography, preoperative Digital Phlebography, intraoperative Selective Phlebography. A high number of anatomical variations was found (29.8%) and the conclusion was that modest differences between published data by other Authors and the results of this study were found. The ideal diagnostic approach for these anatomical variations is the intraoperative Selective Phlebography in cases systematically selected by preoperative High Resolution Echography.