Lower Limb

Popliteal Fossa

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Overview


The popliteal fossa is located on the posterior surface of the knee and contains important nerves and blood vessels supplying the leg and foot.


Gross Anatomy


The borders of the popliteal fossa:

 

Superomedial: semimembranosus (and semitendinosus)

Superolateral: biceps femoris

Inferomedial: medial head of gastrocnemius

Inferolateral: lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris

Roof: popliteal fascia and skin

Floor: knee joint capsule, popliteus and posterior surface of femur

 

The contents of the popliteal fossa: (medial and deep to lateral and superficial)

 

Popliteal artery

Popliteal vein

Tibial nerve

Common peroneal nerve

Others: lymphatics, fat, termination of short saphenous vein as it enters the popliteal vein, sural nerve, popliteus bursa, 5 genicular branches of the popliteal artery


Clinical Anatomy


A differential diagnosis for a lump in the popliteal fossa would include:


  • Baker’s cyst (inflammation and swelling of the semimembranosus bursa)
  • Popliteal aneurysm (dilatation of the artery by >50% of its normal diameter, may cause compression of the tibial nerve)
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Short saphenous varicosity
  • Adventitial cyst of the popliteal artery
  • Enlarged bursa
  • lymphadenopathy
  • Sebaceous cyst
  • Lipoma
  • Neuroma
  • Tumour eg rhabdomyosarcoma

Quick Anatomy


Key Facts

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Aide-Memoire

SemiMembranosus is Medial

 

Structures medial to lateral:

 

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semimembranosus, artery, vein, nerve, biceps femoris


Summary


A diamond shape area on the posterior surface of the knee which contains the major blood vessels of the leg and foot.


References


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