Great saphenous vein starts at the large toe. It then runs upwards in front of the medial malleolus, then the medial side of leg, behind the medial epicondyle of femur bone. It then runs on the anterior side of the thigh before entering the saphenous opening (an opening in the fascia of the thigh).

BRANCHES

It receives many branches as it runs its course. Some of the important ones are as follows:

• Medial marginal vein – at the ankle

• Small saphenous vein – in the lower leg

• Popliteal vein – near the knee

• Femoral vein – in the thigh

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Great saphenous vein is a common cause of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis. The veins get swollen in varicose veins and can be treated easily. Thrombophlebitis is also not a life threatening disease and there is a blood clot in the vein in this condition. It can be serious if the clot is close to the saphenous opening.

Great saphenous vein is also the most commonly chosen vein for the bypass operation of heart.