Anatomy and Cell Biology

Korean Association of Anatomists (대한해부학회)
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Fenestrated popliteal vein pierced by a branch of the tibial nerve

  • Edward C. Muo (Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Joe Iwanaga (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Juan J. Cardona (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Lukasz Olewnik (Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz) ;
  • Aaron S. Dumont (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • R. Shane Tubbs (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2023.02.02
  • Accepted : 2023.06.05
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

Knowledge of anatomical variations is important so as to avoid potential iatrogenic injury or misdiagnosis on imaging. Here we report an unusual finding and relationship between the tibial nerve and popliteal vein. During the routine dissection of an adult cadaver, it was noted that a branch of the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa pierced the most distal part of the popliteal vein. This unusual finding is described and relevant reports in the literature discussed. Our hopes are that such a report might help surgeons avoid injury to such a fenestrated popliteal vein and the tibial nerve branch traveling through it therefore decreasing patient morbidity.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind's overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude [15].

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