femoropopliteal

Femoropopliteal refers to the arterial segment of the lower limb that extends from the femoral artery in the thigh to the popliteal artery behind the knee. The proximal portion is the superficial femoral artery after the femoral artery passes through the inguinal ligament and enters the upper thigh; within the adductor canal it is termed the femoropopliteal artery and it continues distally until it traverses the adductor hiatus, where it becomes the popliteal artery. Branches within this segment include the profunda femoris (deep femoral) and its perforating branches, as well as the genicular branches in the region around the knee.

Femoropopliteal disease refers to atherosclerotic lesions within this arterial segment and is a major cause of peripheral arterial disease. Clinically, patients typically present with claudication—exertional leg pain relieved by rest—and, in more advanced cases, ischemic rest pain or non-healing ulcers. Diagnosis is guided by noninvasive vascular testing and imaging, such as duplex ultrasonography, computed tomography angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography. Management emphasizes risk factor modification and antiplatelet therapy, with revascularization considered for suitable patients.

Treatment options include endovascular approaches, such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with or without stenting, and surgical bypass using autologous vein or synthetic grafts, depending on lesion length, calcification, location, and patient comorbidities. The choice between endovascular and surgical strategies depends on anatomical and clinical factors, including involvement of the long femoropopliteal segment, presence of tibial disease, and overall limb viability.

Terminology and variants: the term femoropopliteal is used to describe the arterial segment from the distal femoral to the popliteal arteries and is also associated with bypass procedures (femoropopliteal bypass). The segment is a common site of atherosclerotic occlusive disease and is influenced by vascular anatomy and collateral circulation.