The femoral triangle and superficial veins of the leg

The femoral triangle is important in puncture and exposure of the femoral artery, block dissection of the groin lymph nodes, and surgery of the long (great) saphenous vein at its termination. The long saphenous vein passes upwards from in front of the medial malleolus to a hand’s breadth behind the patella to pierce the deep fascia at the groin to enter the common femoral vein. The landmark for this is one finger’s breadth medial to the femoral pulse, which is located half-way between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis. The short (small) saphenous vein commences behind the lateral malleolus and ascends behind the calf to enter the popliteal vein at the popliteal fossa. Both veins have numerous tributaries and perforators, guarded by valves, which join the deep veins. The long saphenous veins relate to the saphenous nerve, the short vein relates to the sural nerve and both may be injured in vein surgery.