[Surgical anatomy of perforating veins of the leg].

The saphenous trunks of the leg and their main perforators extend from the tibia to the axis of the calf. The external saphenous vein (little saphenous vein) is often isolated; on the contrary, there is an internal saphenous system including, in addition to the main trunk which is often divided, anterior and posterior saphenous veins, as a possible support for the perforators. The calf's reticulum, network of veinlets reinforced with arches, is a group of intersaphenous anastomosis. The retro-tibial perforators (Cockett's or Boyd's) reach the posterior tibial veins through a direct route. The muscle perforators are connected with the soleus and medial gastrocnemius veins; ventrally, elements from the internal saphenous system are present, as well as axial branches on the external saphenous vein and interperforating longitudinal anastomoses. The ventro-lateral perforators, tributary of the anterior tibial and peroneal veins, are accessory.