Saphenous nerve

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The saphenous nerve is the continuation of the deep division of the femoral nerve in the femoral triangle.

Gross anatomy

  • runs within the subsartorial canal, giving off an infrapatellar branch (it also contributes to the subsartorial nerve plexus)
  • curves behind sartorius, appearing behind the medial knee
  • accompanies great saphenous vein, along the posterior border of the tibia
  • passes over the lower aspect of the tibia to appear anterior to the medial malleolus
  • runs along the dorsum of the foot

Supply

  • provides sensation to the medial leg and the medial aspect of the foot as far as the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint
  • the infrapatellar branch supplies sensation to the skin in front over the patella