Applied anatomy of saphenous nerve graft

Objective To provide anatomic basis for autologous saphenous nerve graft.Methods The red latex diluted by ammonia water were injected through femoral artery in 15 adult cadavers(12male and 3 female), and their 30 lower extremities were observed and measured.Results The type of bitrunks of saphenous nerve accounted for 46.7%(14/30),and transverse diameter of superficial site of them was 0.28±0.03?cm,the freed length was 8.43±4.58?cm,and the depth to the surface of the body was 1.19±0.44?cm.The transverse diameter of anterior lateral branch was 0.14±0.03?cm,it's freed length was 18.81±4.50?cm.The transverse diameter of the posterior branch was 0.14±0.04?cm,and it's freed length was 19.32±3.04?cm.The type of single trunk accounted for 53.3%(16/30),it's diameter was 0.25±0.06?cm ,freed length 29.94±3.34?cm,and the depth to the surface of the body was as the bitrunks type. There was so many small arteries entering the upper part of the saphenous nerve .It's small arteries (diameter≥1mm) accounted for 23% (total 29) in upper part, but less and thinner in the lower part of the nerve . There were two reliable place for harvesting the nerve.Conclusion Saphenous nerve is a good donor for microvascular anastomosis in nerve graft and may be harvested from two reliable places.