Fig. 7. Anatomy at the popliteal fossa (A) and upper calf (B), and ultrasound image (C) of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) and the tibial nerve (TN). The CPN and TN are close to the vein of popliteal fossa (VPOPF) at its union with the popliteal vein (POPV). The nerves are seen just below their branching off from the sciatic nerve. Further down, the tibial nerve lies over the POPV. The CPN will run lateral and split into superficial and deep peroneal nerves. In this patient the VPOPF was very dilated and had reflux. Because of its proximity to the nerves, ligation of this vein could lead to potential nerve damage.

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