The venous communication between the gastrocnemius muscle heads

This investigation establishes the venous communication between the gastroc nemius muscle heads. Fourteen fresh (with the exception of one) cadaveric s pecimens were examined. Anastomotic veins were dissected along the raphe af ter perfusion of each muscle with 0.1% methylene blue solution. A distally based musculocutaneous perforating vein of the medial head was the site of perfusion in 13 specimens, whereas one specimen received injection through the accompanying Vein of the medial sural cutaneous nerve. Additional perfu sion of dye from different sites was required in two specimens. Communicati ng veins were dissected in all 14 muscles. Direct anastomotic veins were de tected in eight specimens; whereas in six the accompanying vein of the medi al sural cutaneous nerve that had been included proved to be the intermedia te pathway of venous communication between the muscle heads. Obstructive va lves were encountered in most cases; nevertheless anastomotic veins were al ways recognized. The role of valves and the clinical implications are discu ssed.