[Unusual pathology of the popliteal space. Popliteal artery entrapment]

Abstract

After reviewing the main anatomical anomalies responsible for the popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, the author emphasizes the need for early diagnosis prior to onset of complications. Whenever confronted with hamstring pain due to sports-related physical stress in a youngster, loss of posterior tibial and pedal pulse should be checked for during static contraction, and then during forced passive stretching of the gastrocnemius muscle; modifications in arterial Doppler tracings during these maneuvers will confirm the diagnosis. Should this fail to occur at this early stage, severe complications will develop in time, manifested primarily by thrombosis of the popliteal artery; ectasia of this artery in itself carrying a risk of further peripheral embolism, thrombosis and rupture.