Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, capable of causing intermittent claudication or even critical ischemia of the lower leg, is a rare disease that usually affects young men. This syndrome arises due to an abnormally medially displaced popliteal artery which has been entrapped and/or occluded by the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, especially in knee hyperextension posture. This report summarizes our experience with popliteal entrapment syndrome in 6 limbs of 5 patients treated during a 3-year period. Popliteal entrapment syndrome is more prevalent than previously appreciated. On the basis of our experience, early surgical intervention is recommended in all cases of entrapment at the time of diagnosis to avoid occlusion as a result of continued arterial wall degeneration.