Popliteal tendon injury
Abstract
Introduction: The structures that make up the posterolateral corner of the knee suffer from both traumatic and degenerative conditions. One of these conditions is the injury to the popliteus tendon.
Objective: To update and to provide information on isolated and combined injuries of the popliteus tendon.
Methods: The search and analysis of the information was carried out over a period of 61 days (August 1st to September 30th, 2023) and the following words were used: popliteus tendon injury, posterolateral complex, ligament injury AND knee, tendon injury AND knee. Based on the information obtained, a bibliographic review of a total of 153 articles published in the databases PubMed, HINARI, SciELO, Researchgate, Ebsco, Scopus, Medscape and Medline was carried out using the EndNote search manager and reference manager. They used 30 selected quotes to carry out the review, 25 from the last five years.
Results: The popliteus tendon's essential anatomy is discussed, as well as its connection to the structures of the posterolateral corner. The injuries are talked about in terms of their production mechanism, classification, clinical aspects, and imaging studies. The treatment is described along with its modalities and indications.
Conclusions: Popliteus tendon injuries can occur in isolation or in combination with both traumatic and degenerative injuries. For the diagnosis of this entity, three fundamental pillars are needed: clinical, imaging and arthroscopic. The treatment modality depends on whether it is an isolated or combined injury.
DeCS: KNEE INJURIES; TENDINOPATHY/classification; TENDINOPATHY/surgery; ARTHROSCOPY; REVIEW.
Downloads
References
1. Algazwi DAR, Tian QS, Elizabeth GL, Ellis ES, Teng VSY, Hallinan JTPD. Isolated popliteus tendon avulsion fracture. Am J Phys Med Rehabil [Internet]. 2019 [citado 30 Ago 2023];98(11):e140-e141. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000001181
2. Maniar AR, White AE, Musahl V, Ranawat A. Posterolateral corner of the knee: an update on current evaluation and management strategies. J Am Acad Orthop Surg [Internet]. 2023 [citado 30 Ago 2023]. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-23-00278
3. Aumann EK, Aksu T, Atansay V, Kara AN, Aksu N. Relationship of popliteus sulcus depth and tibiofemoral rotational alignment with popliteus tendinitis in professional folk dancers exposed to turnout positions: an MRI analysis. Med Probl Perform Art [Internet]. 2019 [citado 30 Ago 2023];34(3):141-146. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.21091/mppa.2019.3024
4. Mutou M, Abe Y, Kataoka H, Fuzisawa T, Takahashi Y. Anatomical reconstruction of the posterolateral corner of the knee preserving dynamic function of the popliteus tendon complex. Asia Pac J Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Technol [Internet]. 2022 Mar [citado 30 Ago 2023];28:1-5. Disponible en: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214687322000024?via%3Dihub
5. Blackwell C, Selley R, Taber CE, Benitez CL, Marx RG. Chronic popliteus tendon avulsion fracture with chronic knee pain and locking: a case report. JBJS Case Connect [Internet]. 2022 [citado 30 Ago 2023];12(1). Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00477
6. Zabrzynski J, Huri G, Yataganbaba A, Paczesny L, Szwedowski D, Zabrzynska A, et al. Current concepts on the morphology of popliteus tendon and its clinical implications. Folia Morphol (Warsz) [Internet]. 2021 [citado 30 Ago 2023];80(3):505-513. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.5603/FM.a2020.0106
7. Farrell C, Kiel J, Seemann L, Pujalte GGA. Popliteus tendon injuries. Orthopedics [Internet]. 2023 [citado 30 Ago 2023];46(4):e193-e198. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.3928/01477447-20220719-10
8. Morrissey CD, Knapik DM. Prevalence, mechanisms, and return to sport after isolated popliteus injuries in athletes: a systematic review. Orthop J Sports Med [Internet]. 2022 [citado 30 Ago 2023];10(2):[aprox. 3 p.]. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1177/23259671211073617
9. Azzopardi C, Kiernan G, Botchu R. Imaging review of normal anatomy and pathological conditions involving the popliteus. J Clin Orthop Traum [Internet]. 2021 [Citado 30 Ago 2023];18:224-229. Disponible en: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8173307/
10. Sanchez Munoz E, Lozano Hernanz B, Zijl JAC, Passarelli Tirico LE, Angelini FJ, Verdonk PCM, et al. Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of multiple ligament knee injuries: a multicenter study of 178 patients. Am J Sports Med [Internet]. 2023 [citado 30 Ago 2023];51(2):429-436. Disponible en: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03635465221145697
11. Koong DP, An VVG, Lorentzos P, Moussa P, Sivakumar BS. Non-operative rehabilitation of isolated popliteus tendon rupture in a Rugby player. Knee Surg Relat Res [Internet]. 2018 [citado 30 Ago 2023];30(3):269-272. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.5792/ksrr.17.072
12. Faraco Sobrado M, Partezani Helito C, Ponte Melo L, Marangoni Asperti A, Gomes Gobbi R, Janson Angelini F. Anatomical study of the posterolateral ligament complex of the knee: LCL and popliteus tendon. Acta Ortop Bras [Internet]. 2021 [citado 30 Ago 2023];29(5):249-252. Disponible en: http://doi.org/10.1590/1413-785220212905241252
13. Porrino J, Sharp JW, Ashimolowo T, Dunham G. An Update and comprehensive review of the posterolateral corner of the knee. Radiol Clin North Am [Internet]. 2018 Nov [citado 30 Ago 2023];56(6):935-951. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcl.2018.06.006
14. Weiss S, Krause M, Frosch KH. Posterolateral corner of the knee: a systematic literature review of current concepts of arthroscopic reconstruction. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg [Internet]. 2020 [citado 30 Ago 2023];140(12):2003-2012. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-020-03607-z
15. Wood A, Boren M, Dodgen T, Wagner R, Patterson RM. Muscular architecture of the popliteus muscle and the basic science implications. Knee [Internet]. 2020 [citado 30 Ago 2023];27(2):308-314. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knee.2019.12.001
16. Swinford S, La Prade R, Engebresten L, Cohen M, Safran M. Biomechanics and physical examination of the posteromedial and posterolateral knee: state of the art. J ISAKOS [Internet]. 2020 [citado 30 Ago 2023];5:378-388. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1136/jisakos-2018-000221
17. Annear P, Arora M. Isolated popliteal tendon avulsion: current understanding and approach to management. J Arthrosc Joint Surg [Internet]. 2018 [citado 30 Ago 2023];5(3):145-148. Disponible en: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jajs.2018.02.004
18. Wong KC, Mohamad N, Md Yusoff BAH. Popliteus tendon injury: a rare cause of acute locked knee. Cureus [Internet]. 2023 [citado 30 Ago 2023];15(5):e38655. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.38655
19. Rodriguez AN, Liechti DJ, La Prade RF. Open popliteus tendon reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft. Arthrosc Tech [Internet]. 2023 [citado 30 Ago 2023];12(4):e453-e457. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eats.2022.11.028
20. Yoo HJ, Ryu KN, Park JS, Jin W, Park SY, Kang HJ, et al. Preoperative meniscus: pitfalls and traps to avoid. Taehan Yongsang Uihakhoe Chi [Internet]. 2022 [citado 30 Ago 2023];83(3):582-596. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2021.0002
21. Al Dosari M, Elmhiregh A, Hammad M, Alam S, Hameed S. Rare presentation of lateral meniscus tear with pathognomonic MRI finding. Int J Surg Case Rep [Internet]. 2019 [citado 30 Ago 2023];65:339-343. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2019.11.025
22. Grassi A, Pizza N, Andrea Lucidi G, Macchiarola L, Mosca M, Zaffagnini S. Anatomy, magnetic resonance and arthroscopy of the popliteal hiatus of the knee: normal aspect and pathological conditions. EFORT Open Rev [Internet]. 2021 [citado 30 Ago 2023];6(1):61-74. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.6.200089
23. Kompel A, Haran PH, Murakami AM, Engebretsen L, Jarraya M, Roemer F, et al. MRI-detected knee ligament sprains and associated internal derangement in athletes competing at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 summer Olympics. Open Access J Sports Med [Internet]. 2021 [citado 30 Ago 2023];12:23-32. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S292763
24. Saini NK, Yadav S, Jain VK, Shukla A. Measurement of distance between femoral insertion of fibular collateral ligament and popliteus tendon: a magnetic resonance imaging based study. J Clin Orthop Trauma [Internet]. 2021 [citado 30 Ago 2023];17:139-142. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2021.02.023
25. Mishra P, Goyal A, Topgia C, Lal H, Kumar S, Ajay A. Measurement of distance between femoral insertion of fibular collateral ligament and popliteus: a cadaveric study in Indian population. Indian J Orthop [Internet]. 2022 [citado 30 Ago 2023];56(10):1717-1721. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-022-00711-7
26. Newcomb NL, Kenneally CM, Yerdon HN, Barry PA. Diving for the basketball: an isolated popliteus rupture in an adolescent female with 6 year follow-up. Glob Pediatr Health [Internet]. 2021 [citado 30 Ago 2023];8. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X211020248
27. Ricci V, Özçakar L. Ultrasound imaging for lateral knee pain: popliteus tendon highlighted. Med Ultrason [Internet]. 2018 [citado 30 Ago 2023];20(3):403-404. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.11152/mu-1616
28. Koukoulias NE, Dimitriadis T, Boutovinos AP, Germanou E. Isolated popliteus tendon avulsion: fully arthroscopic repair with suture anchor: a case report. JBJS Case Connect [Internet]. 2020 [citado 30 Ago 2023];10(3):e20.00159. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.CC.20.00159
29. Zappia M, Reginelli A, Chianca V, Carfora M, Di Pietto F, Iannella G, et al. MRI of popliteo-meniscal fasciculi of the knee: a pictorial review. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2018 [citado 30 Ago 2023];89:suppl 1:7-17. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v89i1-S.7007
30. Arner JW, Johannsen AM, Ruzbarsky JJ, Godin JA. Open popliteal tendon repair. Arthrosc Tech [Internet]. 2021 [citado 30 Ago 2023];10(2):e499-e505. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eats.2020.10.031
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright: Camagüey Medical Archive Magazine, offers immediately after being indexed in the SciELO Project; Open access to the full text of the articles under the principle of making available and free the research to promote the exchange of global knowledge and contribute to a greater extension, publication, evaluation and extensive use of the articles that can be used without purpose As long as reference is made to the primary source.
Conflicts of interest: authors must declare in a mandatory manner the presence or not of conflicts of interest in relation to the investigation presented.
(Download Statement of potential conflicts of interest)
The Revista Archivo Médico de Camagüey is under a License Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
This license allows others to distribute, to mix, to adjust and to build from its work, even for commercial purposes, as long as it is recognized the authorship of the original creation. This is the most helpful license offered. Recommended for maximum dissemination and use of licensed materials. The full license can be found at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
22 julio 2025