Anatomical Variation at the Sapheno-Femoral Junction

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Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the anatomical variations of the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) and the incidence of these variations.Materials and Methods: Between April 2005 and March 2010, 2552 limbs of 1563 patients with complaints of varicose veins underwent ultrasonography. Ultrasonography was used to identify the anatomical variations of the SFJ, especially the relationship to the femoral artery.Results: Variations were seen in six limbs (0.24%) at the SFJ. The most common anatomical variation was the great saphenous vein crossing posterior to the common femoral artery, which was present in three limbs.Conclusion: It is important to investigate the anomalies of the SFJ using preoperative duplex ultrasound, although the incidence of such anomalies is lower than that of the sapheno-popliteal junction. An anomaly of the SFJ always should be taken into consideration in order to minimize surgical complications of varicose veins. (*English translation of Jpn J Phlebol 2012; 23: 25-29)