Popliteus Muscle

Courtesy : Prof Nabile Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA

Popliteus Muscle

• A triangular muscle with a narrow tendinous origin and broad insertion.
• One of the deep flexors of the knee.
• Origin : strong tendon arises from the anterior part of the popliteal groove on the lateral surface of the condyle of the femur
• Insertion : posterior surface of the tibia in a fan-like fashion just above the soleal line.
• Innervation : supplied by a branch from the tibial nerve.
• Function : internally rotate the tibia relative to the femur and unlock the knee during knee flexion initiation.
• The area of depression located at the back of the knee joint is called the popliteal fossa. At the floor of the popliteal fossa there is strong fascia covering the popliteus muscle.
• The tendon of the popliteus muscle lies within the capsule of the knee joint, entering it beneath the lateral collateral ligament. The lateral collateral ligament attaches to the lateral femoral epicondyle posterior and proximal to the insertion of the popliteus muscle.
• Sometimes fluid tracking in the popliteal tendon sheath can mimic a meniscal tear (posterior horn lateral meniscus).
• Popliteal tendinitis is most easily detected with the leg in a figure of four(cross legged)position and then palpating distal and anterior to the LCL ligament.
• The role of popliteus tendon resection during total knee is not well defined.