Popliteal Entrapment

What is Popliteal Entrapment?

Popliteal entrapment is compression of the popliteal artery — which supplies blood to the knee joint and thigh and calf muscles — causing the artery to become blocked or an aneurysm (bulge in a blood vessel) to form.

Causes

• Abnormally developed muscle pressing on the artery
• Pressure on the artery from a ligament

Risk Factors

Popliteal entrapment is more likely to occur in active young men.

What are the Symptoms?

• Muscle pain in the calf
• Reduced blood flow to the legs (chronic leg ischemia)

How is Popliteal Entrapment Diagnosed?

• Angiography: A dye is inserted into the popliteal artery through a catheter, then an X-ray is taken to show how blood flows through the arteries and whether the arteries are narrowed or blocked.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) scan: Radio waves and magnetic fields are then used to show areas of poor blood flow. A patient may be injected with a contrast material — similar to a dye — to make blood vessels more visible.
• Ultrasound: The ultrasound's high-frequency sound waves provide the doctor with a picture of the blood flow in the popliteal artery and help determine whether there is any narrowing or compression.

Treatment at UVA's Heart and Vascular Center

Surgery to relieve compression of the popliteal artery is the most common treatment option. For severe cases, it may also be necessary to reconstruct the popliteal artery.