Anatomic variations of popliteal artery that may be a reason for entrapment

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate some anatomic variations of popliteal artery and its surrounding structures that may be important especially for popliteal artery entrapment (PAE) syndrome.

Methods: A cadaveric study in 46 lower limbs was performed to improve the understanding of anatomy of the popliteal artery and its relations with surrounding structures.

Results: The popliteal artery was lateral to the popliteal vein in four specimens (8.7%) and deep to popliteal vein in three specimens (6.5%). An aberrant accessory head of gastrocnemius was present in three specimens (6.5%). The popliteal artery and vein were tethered at the adductor magnus hiatus very tightly in one specimen (2.2%). An aberrant medial arterial course around normal medial head of gastrocnemius muscle was seen in one specimen (2.2%).

Conclusions: Various anomalous anatomic relationships between muscle and arteries in the popliteal fossa results in arterial compression. We believe that a review of the anatomic variations of the popliteal artery and its surrounding structures will be beneficial for the surgical approaches in PAE.