popliteaararter

The popliteal artery is the continuation of the femoral artery as it passes through the adductor hiatus and enters the popliteal fossa behind the knee. It is the main arterial supply for the knee region and the posterior compartment of the leg, giving off several branches before it ends.

Within the popliteal fossa, the artery gives multiple genicular branches surrounding the knee, including superior medial, superior lateral, middle, and inferior genicular arteries. It also provides muscular branches to the gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and popliteus, as well as small perforating branches to adjacent muscles.

The popliteal artery terminates at about the lower border of the popliteus by dividing into the anterior tibial artery and the tibioperoneal trunk. The tibioperoneal trunk then splits into the posterior tibial and fibular (peroneal) arteries, continuing the arterial supply to the lower leg and foot.

Clinically, the popliteal artery can be assessed by palpating the pulse in the popliteal fossa and is a focus of various vascular conditions. It is susceptible to atherosclerotic disease, aneurysm (the most common peripheral artery aneurysm), and traumatic or iatrogenic injury. Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome and other compression problems can restrict blood flow. Diagnostic imaging includes duplex ultrasonography, CT angiography, and MR angiography to evaluate patency and guide treatment, which may be endovascular or surgical.