Saphenous nerve

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== Saphenous Nerve ==

The saphenous nerve is a sensory nerve of the leg that is a branch of the femoral nerve. It is the largest and longest cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve. The saphenous nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the medial leg and foot.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The saphenous nerve originates from the lumbar plexus, specifically from the L3 and L4 nerve roots. It travels through the femoral triangle and continues down the leg. The nerve runs alongside the femoral artery and femoral vein in the adductor canal before emerging at the medial aspect of the knee.

Pathway[edit | edit source]

After exiting the adductor canal, the saphenous nerve descends along the medial side of the knee and leg. It passes anterior to the medial malleolus and continues to the medial side of the foot. Along its course, the saphenous nerve provides sensory branches to the skin of the medial knee, leg, and foot.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The saphenous nerve can be involved in various clinical conditions, including:

Saphenous nerve entrapment: This can occur due to compression or injury, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling along the nerve's distribution.
Saphenous vein harvesting: During procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, the saphenous vein is often harvested, which can potentially damage the saphenous nerve.