Purpose: The lessor saphenous vein is an anatomical index in various surgical methods involving an approach to the popliteal fossa. However, occasionally, there have been some cases where the surgical process was difficult because the lessor saphenous vein was not found in the popliteal fossa during the operation process. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of the anatomical variation of lessor saphenous vein not found in the popliteal fossa with a review of the literature.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 83 cases of selective neurectomy for hypertrophic calf performed in our clinic from March 1997 to June 2013. There were 42 patients, with a mean age of 32.8 years old. We confirmed the existence of the lessor saphenous vein in the popliteal fossa during the operation process.

Results: Among 83 cases during this study period, the lesser saphenous vein was not found in four cases. In one patient, no lesser saphenous vein was found on either side of the popliteal fossa, and in two patients, no lesser saphenous vein was found on the left side of the popliteal fossa. As a result, the frequency of variation was found to be 4.8%.

Conclusion: Due to the anatomical variation of the lessor saphenous vein, it may not be found in the midline of the popliteal fossa. Based on the literature review, several possibilities for failure to observe the lesser saphenous vein could be suggested. If surgeons are well aware of these possibilities, the steadier operation could be performed.