Popliteus Tendon Injuries

Abstract

Popliteus tendinopathies are rare injuries that can occur from overuse, trauma, or secondary causes, such as sesamoid bones or calcifications. They present with nonspecific symptoms and should be considered in any patient with posterolateral knee pain, instability, popliteus tenderness, and a positive Garrick test. Diagnosis can be made with magnetic resonance imaging, but arthroscopy remains the criterion standard. For minor popliteus tendinopathies, initial management involves conservative treatment, including rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and quadriceps strengthening. For more severe or refractory disease, corticosteroid injections and arthroscopy should be considered. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(4):e193-e198.].