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Myxolipomas are rare variants of lipomas characterized by abundant myxoid changes resulting from an abundant mucoid component. While myxolipomas have been reported in various anatomical locations, their occurrence in the popliteal fossa is exceptionally rare, with the last published case dating back to 1914. We present a case of a 64-year-old male with a large myxolipoma in the popliteal region. The patient underwent successful surgical excision, and a histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of myxolipoma. This case report highlights the clinical features, differential diagnosis, and diagnostic challenges associated with myxolipomas in the popliteal fossa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: The differential diagnoses of popliteal ganglion cysts include Baker's cysts, popliteal artery aneurysms, popliteal tendinitis, popliteal lymphadenopathy, lipomas, and synovial sarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message The differential diagnoses of popliteal ganglion cysts include Baker's cysts, popliteal artery aneurysms, popliteal tendinitis, popliteal lymphadenopathy, lipomas, and synovial sarcoma.

Background: A branch of the femoral artery that branches out in the popliteal fossa, the popliteal artery supplies blood to the lower extremities. In the popliteal fossa, the popliteal artery reaches the popliteus muscle's inferior border. The purpose of this CT angiography investigation was to identify the various popliteal artery branching patterns in a large population. Materials and Methods: Twenty lower limb specimens were collected from the Department of Anatomy, A.C.S.R. Government Medical College, Nellore, and Government Medical College Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India. The 10 lower limb specimens were acquired from unclaimed foetal cadavers. This study was done between the January 2021 to December 2023. Results: In this study, all specimens showed that the popliteal artery originated at the same level and in the same way as the femoral artery, which is the common pattern. There was no change in the present investigation regarding the popliteal artery's origin. The popliteal artery length was measured in 40 limbs in a cadaveric investigation. From the adductor opening to the origin of the anterior tibial artery, the average length of the popliteal artery in his study was 191.1mm. The popliteal artery averaged 173.5 mm in length throughout the research. It lines up with principles. Conclusion: The results of the present study's observatory were in good agreement with those of previous studies. Vascular and reconstructive surgeons rely on anatomical understanding of the popliteal artery and its variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myxolipomas are rare variants of lipomas characterized by abundant myxoid changes resulting from an abundant mucoid component. While myxolipomas have been reported in various anatomical locations, their occurrence in the popliteal fossa is exceptionally rare, with the last published case dating back to 1914. We present a case of a 64-year-old male with a large myxolipoma in the popliteal region. The patient underwent successful surgical excision, and a histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of myxolipoma. This case report highlights the clinical features, differential diagnosis, and diagnostic challenges associated with myxolipomas in the popliteal fossa.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal formation of extra-skeletal bone in soft tissue, which can occur after trauma or surgery. HO in joints can cause pain, hinder mobility, and compress surrounding nerves and blood vessels. We present an unusual case of arterial insufficiency caused by HO in the right popliteal fossa.

Introduction/Purpose: Ultrasound‐guided popliteal fossa sciatic nerve (PFSN) blocks are performed with patients in the supine, lateral or prone position. No known studies compare the quality of images obtained from each approach. This study examines the quality of supine and prone PFSN ultrasound images. Methods: Thirty‐eight adult volunteers were sorted into two groups. Five regional anaesthesiologists performed ultrasound examinations of the PFSN on volunteers in supine and prone positions. Popliteal fossa sciatic nerve image quality was analysed with grayscale techniques and peer evaluation. Popliteal fossa sciatic nerve depth, distance from the popliteal crease and time until optimal imaging were recorded. Results: The grayscale ratio of the PFSN vs. the background was 1.83 (supine) and 1.75 (prone) (P = 0.034). Similarly, the grayscale ratio of the PFSN vs. the immediately adjacent area was 1.65 (supine) and 1.55 (prone) (P = 0.004). Mean depth of the PFSN was 1.6 cm (supine) and 1.7 cm (prone) (P = 0.009). Average distance from the popliteal crease to the PFSN was 5.9 cm (supine) and 6.6 cm (prone) (P = 0.02). Mean time to acquire optimal imaging was 36 s (supine) and 47 s (prone) (P = 0.002). Observers preferred supine positioning 53.8%, prone positioning 22.5% and no preference 23.7% of the time. Observers with strong preferences preferred supine imaging in 70.9% of cases. Conclusions: Supine ultrasound examination offered quicker identification of the PFSN, in a more superficial location, closer to the popliteal crease and with enhanced contrast to surrounding tissue, correlating with observer preferences for supine positioning. These results may influence ultrasound‐guided PFSN block success rates, especially in difficult‐to‐image patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) arising from the popliteal fossa pose surgical challenges due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures. This study aimed to investigate whether a novel 3D imaging technique highlighting these key anatomical structures could facilitate preoperative planning and improve surgical outcomes in STS. Methods This was a prospective, observational, pilot study. Between November 2019 and December 2020, 27 patients with STS of the popliteal fossa undergoing limb‐sparing procedures were enrolled and assigned to either a control or intervention group. Control patients underwent traditional preoperative planning with separate computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance hydrography. In the intervention group, 3D images were generated from these images, the tumor and skeletomuscular and neurovascular structures were revealed in three dimensions, and this was visualized on the surgeon's smartphone or computer. Primary endpoints were surgical margins and complications. Secondary endpoints included operative time, blood loss, serum C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6, length of in‐hospital stay, and limb function. Comparisons between groups were made using independent‐sample t‐tests for continuous data and the Mann–Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests for categorical data. Results There was a lower but not significantly different inadvertent positive margin rate (1/15 vs. 3/12, P = 0.294), significantly shorter hospital stay (P = 0.049), and less numbers ≥75th percentile of operative time (P = 0.037) and blood loss (P = 0.024) in the intervention group. Differences in surgical complications, operative time, blood loss, C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 levels on the second postoperative day, and limb functional scores were statistically insignificant. Conclusions The novel 3D imaging technique facilitates complex preoperative planning and limb‐salvage surgical procedures for patients with STS of the popliteal fossa, and this may affect how surgical planning is performed in the future.

The literature describes a few case reports of bilateral accessory popliteus muscle, a rare variant of the popliteus muscle. We report a case of a 24-year-old male patient with acute pain and inability to flex the left knee, without a traumatic event. Additionally, the patient reported mild sensitive symptoms in the left calf region and no pain in the right knee. The patient underwent a series of other examinations which culminated in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that showed an accessory popliteus muscle. The comparative study of the contralateral knee showed no evidence of this anatomic variant.

An intraneural hemangioma is a rare, benign mesodermal lesion. We present a case of a three-year-old female with the inability to straighten her right knee and fullness over the right popliteal fossa for one year. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a T2 hyperintense lesion of the popliteal fossa, within the tibial nerve. The patient underwent an uncomplicated right knee excisional biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of an intraneural hemangioma. Although rare, an intraneural hemangioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue lesion located in the expected course of a peripheral nerve.

Purpose: The use of the posterior approach for harvesting hamstring grafts has recently become popular thanks to new all-inside techniques and retrograde drills. This study aims to compare the classic anterior approach with the posterior approach in the popliteal fossa. Methods: Retrospective comparative study of 100 consecutive cases of primary ligamentoplasty performed using ipsilateral semitendinosus autograft with at least one year of follow-up. 50 patients with anterior approach (group A) and 50 patients with posterior approach (P). Ratio men/women: 9/1. Mean age: 32 ± 13 years. Mean operative time: 64.88 ± 12.28 min. Study variables: Graft harvest time; intraoperative complications (semitendinous [ST] tendon cut); postoperative neurological complications (allodynia, paresthesia, pain) or hematoma in the donor area; atrophy of the operated thigh compared to the contralateral thigh, postoperative VAS score, aesthetic satisfaction and overall satisfaction. Results: Graft harvest time of 9.5 min in group A versus 5.25 min in group P (p < 0.05). Sensory complications: 16% in group A versus 2% in group P (p < 0.05). Regarding the patient's evaluation of the aesthetic result of the surgery, 80% in group A and 92% in group P were very satisfied, 16% in group A and 8% in group P were satisfied and 4% in group A and no patients in group P not very satisfied (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in terms of total operative time, postoperative joint movement, atrophy of the operated thigh, postoperative VAS, or overall patient satisfaction. Conclusions: The posterior approach to harvesting the ipsilateral hamstring graft obtained better results than the anterior approach in terms of aesthetic satisfaction of the patient, lower rate of neurological complications (allodynia, paresthesias and hypoesthesia in the anterior region of the knee and leg) and shorter hamstring harvest time. Level of evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) arising from the popliteal fossa pose surgical challenges due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures. This study aimed to investigate whether a novel 3D imaging technique highlighting these key anatomical structures could facilitate preoperative planning and improve surgical outcomes in STS. Methods: This was a prospective, observational, pilot study. Between November 2019 and December 2020, 27 patients with STS of the popliteal fossa undergoing limb‐sparing procedures were enrolled and assigned to either a control or intervention group. Control patients underwent traditional preoperative planning with separate computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance hydrography. In the intervention group, 3D images were generated from these images, the tumor and skeletomuscular and neurovascular structures were revealed in three dimensions, and this was visualized on the surgeon's smartphone or computer. Primary endpoints were surgical margins and complications. Secondary endpoints included operative time, blood loss, serum C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6, length of in‐hospital stay, and limb function. Comparisons between groups were made using independent‐sample t‐tests for continuous data and the Mann–Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests for categorical data. Results: There was a lower but not significantly different inadvertent positive margin rate (1/15 vs. 3/12, P = 0.294), significantly shorter hospital stay (P = 0.049), and less numbers ≥75th percentile of operative time (P = 0.037) and blood loss (P = 0.024) in the intervention group. Differences in surgical complications, operative time, blood loss, C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 levels on the second postoperative day, and limb functional scores were statistically insignificant. Conclusions: The novel 3D imaging technique facilitates complex preoperative planning and limb‐salvage surgical procedures for patients with STS of the popliteal fossa, and this may affect how surgical planning is performed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spindle cell lipoma (SCL) is an uncommon subtype of lipomas. It usually occurs in the posterior side of the trunk such as neck, back and shoulders and rarely touches the extremities. Only four cases of SCL of the knee and no cases of SCL of the popliteal fossa have been reported in the literature. We present herein the largest case of SCL of the popliteal fossa and knee to our knowledge. Case presentation: A 75-year-old woman presented with a slow growing swelling of the left knee. Physical examination showed a 12 cm well-limited painless mass of the left popliteal fossa. The mass was pediculated with a central ulceration. MRI scan showed a tumoral mass of the left popliteal fossa with some non-dilated vessels draining to the long saphenous vein. The mass had no evidence of invasion of the underlying tissues. The patient underwent a surgical resection of the mass with postoperative recovery. The histological examination revealed a tumoral proliferation diffusely expressing CD34 without malignancy evidence, and a Ki67 proliferation index Clinical discussion: SCL is a rare histological variant of lipoma occurring mostly in the posterior side of the upper trunk. SCL of the knee or the popliteal fossa are exceptional. Clinically, it presents as a gradually increasing painless mass with a long evolving history. Histologically, these tumors are made of spindle-shaped cells, rope-like collagen fibers and mature adipocytes surrounded by a fibrous capsule. Immunohistologically, spindle cell lipomas usually show diffuse and strong expression of CD34, and to a lesser degree vimentin. The optimal treatment of SCL is a surgical marginal resection. Conclusions: SCL represents an infrequent subtype, and its atypical presentation should push clinicians to further investigations in order to rule out more worrisome malignancies.

Abstract Background Lymphatic malformations are the second most common vascular malformations after venous malformations. These slow-flow lesions occur most often in the paediatric population and seldom in the extremities. We report a case of lymphangioma at the popliteal fossa in an adult who underwent complete surgical resection. Case presentation A 30-year-old male presented to the department of orthopaedics with a swelling in the right calf region. Clinically, it was suspected to be a Baker’s cyst. Ultrasound showed a multiloculated anechoic cystic lesion in the inferior aspect of popliteal fossa along the intermuscular plane with multiple internal septations. Infected Baker’s cyst was considered, and MRI was suggested for further evaluation. On MRI, the lesion measured 7.2 × 4.6 × 5.8 cm, appeared as a low signal on T1 and high signal on STIR and T2, with multiple internal septations and was situated in the inferior aspect of the right popliteal fossa along the intermuscular plane between the lateral head of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. No obvious synovial extension. A post-contrast study showed minimal peripheral and septal enhancement. Neither internal enhancing solid components nor significant internal derangement of the knee was observed. Diagnosis of lymphangioma was considered based on the imaging features and ruling out the common differentials for cystic lesions around the knee. Wide local excision was performed. Histopathological evaluation showed multiple irregularly dilated lymphatic channels lined by flatted epithelium. The lymphatic channels were seen to be surrounded by thick fibro collagenous cyst wall with scattered congested blood vessels, skeletal muscle fibre and chronic inflammatory cells. Conclusion Lymphangioma must be included in the differential diagnosis of any cystic lesion if the lesion appears multiseptated and/or infiltrative. At the popliteal fossa, it presents as a multiseptated cyst with no synovial continuity or internal derangement of the knee.

Abstract Purpose The use of the posterior approach for harvesting hamstring grafts has recently become popular thanks to new all‐inside techniques and retrograde drills. This study aims to compare the classic anterior approach with the posterior approach in the popliteal fossa. Methods Retrospective comparative study of 100 consecutive cases of primary ligamentoplasty performed using ipsilateral semitendinosus autograft with at least one year of follow‐up. 50 patients with anterior approach (group A) and 50 patients with posterior approach (P). Ratio men/women: 9/1. Mean age: 32 ± 13 years. Mean operative time: 64.88 ± 12.28 min. Study variables Graft harvest time; intraoperative complications (semitendinous [ST] tendon cut); postoperative neurological complications (allodynia, paresthesia, pain) or hematoma in the donor area; atrophy of the operated thigh compared to the contralateral thigh, postoperative VAS score, aesthetic satisfaction and overall satisfaction. Results Graft harvest time of 9.5 min in group A versus 5.25 min in group P (p

Synovial osteochondromatosis is a rare benign pathology arising from the synovial membrane of the joints, synovial sheaths or uncommonly the bursae around the joints. Baker's cysts are fluid filled, synovium-lined lesions arising in popliteal fossa. Synovial chondromatosis involving the Baker's cyst is extremely rare. The aim of this case report is to document this exceedingly rare extra articular synovial pathology involving Baker's cysts of bilateral knees and to emphasize the importance of radiographs and sonography in the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was undertaken to elucidate the clinical significance of widening of the popliteal hiatus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a torn discoid lateral meniscus (DLM). Methods: Included are 125 knees with meniscal disorders after arthroscopic surgery, divided according to preoperative MRI and symptoms into group A (torn DLM with mechanical symptoms,11 knees); group B (torn DLM without mechanical symptoms,41 knees); group C (asymptomatic DLM, 19 knees); and group D (medial meniscal tears, 54 knees). Popliteal hiatus width was measured on sagittal and coronal MRI. During arthroscopy, total meniscectomy or central partial meniscectomy combined repair of the remaining part was performed in group A and group B. Outcomes were evaluated with MRI, the Tegner, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Results: The preoperative width of the popliteal hiatus was significantly larger in group A than in groups C and D (P < 0.05) on both views. Group A had a wider popliteal hiatus on sagittal view compared with group B (P < 0.05); group B had a wider popliteal hiatus on coronal view compared with group D (P < 0.05). The width of the popliteal hiatus on sagittal view was significantly reduced after surgery in group A (P < 0.05). In groups A and B, Lysholm and Tegner scores were improved, while VAS scores were reduced (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Widening of the popliteal hiatus on MRI was correlated with torn DLM and accompanied mechanical symptoms. Arthroscopic central partial menisectomy and stabilization of the posterior part of the middle body anterior to the popliteus tendon were effective for the treatment of torn DLM. These findings may help guide appropriate treatment for torn DLM. Level of evidence: II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Minimally invasive surgery in the posterior knee is high risk for iatrogenic injury to popliteal neurovascular neurovasculature structures. This study aimed to use reliable landmarks to define safe zones for arthroscopic portal placement into the posterior knee. Methods: Distances were measured between bony landmarks and neurovascular structures within the popliteal fossa using 45 formalin-embalmed cadavers: small saphenous vein (SSV), medial (MCSN) and lateral (LCSN) cutaneous sural nerves, tibial nerve (TN), common fibular nerve (CFN), popliteal vein (PV) and artery (PA). The structures were measured in relation to medial (MEF) and lateral (LEF) femoral epicondyle, medial (MCT) and lateral (LCT) tibial condyle and the midpoint between the landmarks. Results: The mean distance (mm) between MEF and structures was, male and female, respectively: SSV 37.6 + 12.5, 37.9 + 8.2; MCSN 39.2 + 14, 38.8 + 10.1; TN 39.4 + 10.2, 38.0 + 8.1; PV 38.4 + 12.9, 32.8 + 5.6; PA 38.4 + 12.1, 34.6 + 4.9. At midpoint and MCT all structures medialized between 5 and 28%. The mean distance between LEF and structures was, male and female, respectively: CFN 13.4 + 8.2, 8.4 + 9.1; LCSN 24.9 + 7.3, 18.4 + 10.4. At midpoint and LCT the CFN lateralized by 37–42% and the LCSN medialized by 8–9%. Conclusions: Results suggest posteromedial portal placement can be safely established < 20 mm from the medial femoral epicondyle, tibial condyle or the midpoint between the two landmarks. Posterolateral portal placement is of higher risk, and entry point is 18 mm from the lateral femoral epicondyle, tibial condyle or the midpoint between the two landmarks in males and 12 mm in females. These landmarks will allow safe portal placement in 99% of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: An extra muscle was observed on both sides of the popliteal fossa in the cadaver of a 78-year-old Japanese male during dissection. The aim of this case report was to identify whether this variant is a double plantaris or a third head of the gastrocnemius according to its morphological characteristics and innervation. Methods: The muscles were displayed by careful dissection and delineation of surrounding structures. The size of each of the muscle bellies and tendons of those extra muscles were measured manually by the vernier caliper. Results: The origin of each extra muscle was lateral to the tibial nerve and superior to the plantaris, and each extra muscle which transitioned to a descending tendon parallel to the plantaris had a cone-shaped belly. However, the tendon of the extra muscles was fused into the investing fascia of the gastrocnemius with a tendon length of 4.5 cm on the left and 4.6 cm on the right. The extra muscles were innervated by the branch of the tibial nerve to the medial head of the gastrocnemius on both sides. Conclusion: Although they had an origin and shape similar to that of the plantaris, we identified the extra muscles in this case as a third head of the gastrocnemius, because of innervation to the plantaris arises directly from the tibial nerve. This case highlighted that the innervation is essential to understanding the myogenesis of extra muscles, especially in cases which are difficult to categorize based on the morphological features of the muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymphatic malformations are the second most common vascular malformations after venous malformations. These slow-flow lesions occur most often in the paediatric population and seldom in the extremities. We report a case of lymphangioma at the popliteal fossa in an adult who underwent complete surgical resection. Case presentation: A 30-year-old male presented to the department of orthopaedics with a swelling in the right calf region. Clinically, it was suspected to be a Baker's cyst. Ultrasound showed a multiloculated anechoic cystic lesion in the inferior aspect of popliteal fossa along the intermuscular plane with multiple internal septations. Infected Baker's cyst was considered, and MRI was suggested for further evaluation. On MRI, the lesion measured 7.2 × 4.6 × 5.8 cm, appeared as a low signal on T1 and high signal on STIR and T2, with multiple internal septations and was situated in the inferior aspect of the right popliteal fossa along the intermuscular plane between the lateral head of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. No obvious synovial extension. A post-contrast study showed minimal peripheral and septal enhancement. Neither internal enhancing solid components nor significant internal derangement of the knee was observed. Diagnosis of lymphangioma was considered based on the imaging features and ruling out the common differentials for cystic lesions around the knee. Wide local excision was performed. Histopathological evaluation showed multiple irregularly dilated lymphatic channels lined by flatted epithelium. The lymphatic channels were seen to be surrounded by thick fibro collagenous cyst wall with scattered congested blood vessels, skeletal muscle fibre and chronic inflammatory cells. Conclusion: Lymphangioma must be included in the differential diagnosis of any cystic lesion if the lesion appears multiseptated and/or infiltrative. At the popliteal fossa, it presents as a multiseptated cyst with no synovial continuity or internal derangement of the knee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metastatic melanoma in the popliteal fossa is extremely rare with limited literature available. • A case of popliteal fossa metastatis following primary diagnosis of right mid-calf malignant melanoma with inguinal metastasis. • Surgical treatment involves a posterior approach to the popliteal fossa. • High index of suspicion for early detection of metastasis to the popliteal fossa and inguinal region in distal lower extremity lesions. • Popliteal lymph nodes could be a primary drainage site or interval nodes. Metastatic melanoma in the popliteal fossa is extremely rare with less than 5% of metastatic deposits from melanomas in the leg and foot draining into the popliteal region, while the majority drain to the inguinal region. If popliteal spread is clinically overlooked, it may lead to recurrence. Together with the accompanying literature review, this case report emphasises the need for thorough clinical and radiological assessment in the management of malignant melanomas of the lower extremity. A 66-year-old gentleman presented with metastatic melanoma to the right popliteal fossa three years after the diagnosis of a primary lesion in the right mid-calf with ipsilateral inguinal lymph node metastasis for which he underwent a right wide local excision and complete groin lymph node dissection. Studies show that a lesion anywhere below the knee can metastasize to the popliteal fossa. The groin can be the primary or secondary lymphatic drainage site in conjunction with the popliteal fossa. Concurrent popliteal and inguinal drainage may either reflect two separate lymphatic channels with popliteal nodes being the primary drainage site, or a single channel which drains to the popliteal basin as an interval node. Hence, popliteal lymph nodes should be carefully assessed in distal lower extremity lesions including melanomas. Modalities to delineate lymphatic flow and identify micrometastatic deposits should be used and when metastatic popliteal disease is identified, radical popliteal dissection is advised. Proper clinical assessment, good surgical technique, a high index of suspicion, and active surveillance are all essential to ensure early detection of metastasis to the popliteal region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the work was to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasonographic guided aspiration performed with corticosteroid injection intra-lesional for ruptured Baker cysts (BCs). Methods: Single-center retrospective study that included 42 patients with knee joint disorder associated with ruptured BCs were treated by ultrasonographic guided aspiration of fluid from the cyst and different points from the calf then intra-lesional injection of corticosteroids once or twice, 1 week apart. Follow up were done weekly until complete resolution of symptoms. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Rauschning-Lindgren and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scales (RLC) were used for assessment. Results: Clinical parameters (VAS and RLC) improved significantly in all patients at both post injection evaluation visits (1 week and 12 weeks). Ultrasonographic features improved significantly with complete disappearance of free fluid in the calf in 35 (83.3%) cases 1 week after the injection, and in 41 (97.6%) after 12 weeks. As regards BCs only 4 (9.5%) cases showed complete disappearance after 1 week and there was recurrent BCs in 38 (90.5%) cases which required reaspiration. While after 12 weeks, BCs were completely disappeared in 23 (54.8%) cases, most of the relapsed BCs were complex BCs. No side effects were reported in all cases. Conclusion: Ultrasonographic guided aspiration followed by injection of corticosteroids intra-lesional is an efficient and safe method for managing ruptured BCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objective: The aim of the study is to compare two different approaches to the blockade of the popliteal area by evaluating the distribution of an aqueous solution of salt in one volunteer. Type of study: Short technical report. Site type: Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Intenzive Medicine. Material and method: In a volunteer, we simulated two alternative regional blocks, simultaneously, one on each lower limb. On the left leg a simulation of the low volume block of the distal part of the sciatic nerve (LVDSB) was performed by applying 6 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution. Subsequently, on the right leg, simulation of the distal adductor canal block was performed by applying 20 ml of the same solution. Immediately after application CT scans of both popliteal areas including 3D reconstruction was performed. Results: The analysis of distribution of the solution, by means of computed tomography, after application of a low-volume block (6 ml) to the distal part of the sciatic nerve (LVDSB) shows the spread of fluid to the area of genicular nerves originating from the sciatic nerve. The fluid applied to the distal part of the adductor canal tends to predominantly penetrate retrograde into the thigh area. In the distal direction, the fluid is spreading both along n. saphenus and in medial direction, where it reached the inner edge of the vascular bundle between the adductors. However, it does not spread to the space where genicular branches originate from the sciatic, tibial and fibular nerves. Conclusion: After LVDSB, the distribution of local anesthetic to the genicular nerve region of the sciatic nerve occurs. The aqueous solution administered through the distal end of the adductor canal does not cover the entire area of the "popliteal" plexus and is unlikely to be able to provide a comparable level of analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popliteal fossa is located at the back of the knee joint and it is an area where blood vessels and nerves and also lymph nodes pass. Popliteal fossa injuries includes nearly 2% of acute knee injuries. The treatment of chronic injuries are always more difficult than acute ones, because its diagnosis would depend on careful interpretation of specific clinical exams. In this review, we describe our current understanding of role of popliteal fossa in knee problems, and summarize the anatomy and functional role of popliteal fossa and popliteomeniscal fibers, and mechanism of popliteomeniscal fibers injuries, and discuss strategies for diagnosis of popliteomeniscal fibers lesions, differential diagnosis, and treatment of the posterolateral corner injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pain is a significant cause of disability in knee osteoarthritis. Conventional radiography is widely used in the assessment of knee osteoarthritis, however radiographic findings do not correlate well with pain. Ultrasonography can be used to evaluate the soft tissue structures of the knee that can be related to pain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pain-related soft tissue structures of the knee with ultrasonography. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 198 knees from 99 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Knee pain and functional status were evaluated by performing visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). On the ultrasound, cartilaginous thickness, knee effusion and presence of Baker's cyst were assessed and the correlation to pain was investigated. RESULTS: Baker's cyst was significantly more frequent in symptomatic knees (13.9%) compared to asymptomatic knees (2.5%). Patients with Baker's cyst had a significantly more limited degree of knee flexion, significantly higher resting VAS pain scores and worse WOMAC scores compared to patients without Baker's cyst. In log-linear analysis, presence of Baker's cyst increased the risk of pain by 2.94 times. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound as a modality that is easily accessible, inexpensive and without radiation exposure is helpful to demonstrate factors related to pain in knee osteoarthritis by allowing assessment of soft tissue structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: In the mode of Virtual Touch quantification (Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany), point shear wave elastography (p‐SWE) is widely used for noninvasive assessments of tissue stiffness, which may be useful in the evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods: Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes and 20 control participants (7 with myoma of the uterus and 13 with kidney stones) were enrolled in this prospective study. The 30 patients were further divided into patients with DPN and patients without DPN. Conventional ultrasound examinations and p‐SWE were used to examine the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa. Results: Tibial nerve stiffness values in the overall patient group, patients with DPN, and patients without DPN were all significantly higher than in the control group (P <.05). The cutoff value of p‐SWE for assessing DPN was 2.60 m/s; at that threshold, sensitivity was 63.33%, and specificity was 92.50%. Conclusions: Point SWE was useful for the noninvasive assessment of DPN and had high specificity. The increased stiffness in patients without DPN indicated that the tibial nerve might be affected by diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the clinical, radiographic, and ultrasound findings between simple and complicated Baker's cysts. Methods: Forty-seven knees with Baker's cysts in 45 patients with knee pain were identified from a chart review. Baker's cysts were classified as simple or complicated according to ultrasound findings. Clinical data, including duration of knee pain, visual analog scale score, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, ultrasound findings, including the size and sonomorphology of the BC, severity of osteophytosis, thickness of joint effusion, meniscal tear, and synovial proliferation of the two types of BC, were compared. Results: There were 22 knees with a simple cyst and 25 knees with a complicated cyst. The thickness of the suprapatellar effusion in complicated Baker's cysts (5.7 ± 3.0 mm) was significantly greater than that in simple Baker's cysts (3.8 ± 3.2 mm), and the presence of synovial proliferation in the suprapatellar recess was significantly higher in complicated Baker's cysts (22 knees, 88.0%) than in the simple Baker's cysts (12 knees, 54.5%). However, there were no significant differences in demographic, radiographic, and other ultrasound parameters between the two types of BC. Conclusions: Synovial proliferation with larger effusion in the suprapatellar recess was more associated with complicated BC than simple BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the popliteus muscle, located in the knee, including its anatomy, symptoms of dysfunction, and a massage approach to treatment. It reports on disagreement regarding the details of its function and anatomy, but recognizes the popliteus as helping to maintain knee positioning while the body is in motion. Muscle spasm may cause pain in the back of the knee and may leave the sufferer unable to fully extend the leg. Massage of the muscle may provide immediate relief.

Abstract Backgroud Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is an uncommon entity of proliferative lesion of the synovium, presenting with different clinical signs and symptoms. PVNS rarely forms an osteolytic lesion in a bone. Here we report a unique case of PVNS with a nodular lesion in the left patella. Case presentation A 37-year-old female was referred to our hospital with complaints of ongoing left knee pain and a painful and palpable mass in her left popliteal fossa. MRI demonstrated a nodular lesion in the left patella, diffuse affected synovial tissue in the left knee and an extra-articular mass in the left popliteal fossa. After a primary diagnosis of PVNS had been established, combined arthroscopic synovectomy and open resection were performed. The postoperative pathological diagnoses of the resected mass from the popliteal fossa, the affected synovial tissue and the lesion in the patella were consistent with PVNS. At 1-year follow-up, no evidence of recurrence was noted. Conclusions Based on brief literature review of PNVS, we presented a very rare case of PVNS with a nodular lesion in the left patella, diffuse affected synovial tissue in the left knee and an extra-articular mass in the left popliteal fossa.

Variant muscles are a rarity and this is a case report of an accessory muscle which was seen in the back of thigh and popliteal fossa, on the left side, of a middle-aged male cadaver. This muscle measured 12.5cm in length and was attached to the hamstrings proximally, by two tendinous slips. The distal end merged with the deep fascia of the back of leg. The muscle was innervated by the tibial nerve. Referring to similar cases reported earlier, it is concluded that this is a rare, accessory muscle named tensor fasciae suralis.

Introduction: Sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve of the human body arising from the sacral plexus. It bifurcates into tibial nerve and common fibular nerve at any level from the pelvis to the popliteal fossa. Variations in the level of bifurcation of sciatic nerve is having correlation with many clinical conditions like piriformis syndrome, sciatica, sleeping foot, foot drop, etc. Aim: To observe the variations in the level of bifurcation of sciatic nerve into tibial nerve and common fibular nerve, to correlate the variations with their clinical implications and to discuss the findings of the present study with the available literature regarding the same. Materials and Methods: A total of 102 lower extremities from 51 formalin fixed cadaver were used in the present study. All these 102 lower extremities were divided into six groups (Group A to F), according to the level of bifurcation of sciatic nerve into tibial nerve and common fibular nerve; in the pelvis (Group A), in the gluteal region (Group B), in the upper (Group C), middle (Group D) and lower (Group E) part of posterior compartment of thigh, in the popliteal fossa (Group F). Numbers and percentages of the lower extremities falling in particular group were calculated and table was formed accordingly. Results: In the present study, we found 24 (23.53%) lower extremities in Group A, 4 (3.92%) in Group B, 2 (1.96%) in Group C, 3(2.95%) in Group D, 48(47.06%) in Group E and 21(20.59%) in Group F. The lower part of posterior compartment of thigh was the most common (47.06%), within the pelvis prior to exit into the gluteal region is the second most common (23.53%) and the upper part of posterior compartment of thigh was the least common (1.96%) level of bifurcation of sciatic nerve into tibial nerve and common fibular nerve in the present study. Conclusion: Variations in the level of bifurcation of sciatic nerve into tibial nerve and common fibular nerve is not so rare. The knowledge of variations in the level of bifurcations of sciatic nerve will help in early diagnosis and treatment of sciatic nerve entrapment or neuropathies and simultaneously reducing the associated morbidities.

The popliteal fossa presents an extensive diamond-shaped topographical element on the posterior aspect of the knee. With the use of classical anatomical dissection, digital image analysis of NIS Elements AR 3.0 and statistics we morphometrically analyzed the size of the popliteal fossa in human fetuses aged 17-29 weeks of gestation. Morphometric parameters of the popliteal fossa increased logarithmically with fetal age: y = -44.421 + 24.301 × ln (Age) for length of superomedial boundary, y = -41.379 + 22.777 × ln (Age) for length of superolateral boundary, y = -39.019 + 20.981 × ln (Age) for inferomedial boundary, y = -37.547 + 20.319 × ln (Age), for length of inferolateral boundary, y = -28.915 + 15.822 × ln (Age) for transverse diameter, y = -69.790 + 38.73 × ln (Age) for vertical diameter and y = -485.631 + 240.844 × ln (Age) for projection surface area. Out of the four angles of the popliteal fossa the medial one was greatest, the inferior one the smallest, while the lateral one was somewhat smaller than the medial one and approximately three times greater than the superior one, with no difference with fetal age. In terms of morphometric parameters the popliteal fossa in the human fetus displays neither male-female nor right-left differences. In the popliteal fossa, growth patterns of its four boundaries, vertical and transverse diameters, and projection surface area all follow natural logarithmic functions. All the morphometric data is considered age-specific reference intervals, which may be conducive in the diagnostics of congenital abnormalities in the human fetus.

Due to the complexity of applying a well-defined stretch during human walking, most of our knowledge about the short latency stretch reflex modulation in humans is based on H-reflex studies. To illuminate the difference between the two methodologies, both types of reflexes were evoked in the same subjects, same experiment. Stretch reflexes were evoked via a stretch device capable of evoking stretch reflexes of the human soleus muscles during walking. H-reflexes were elicited by an electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve at the popliteal fossa at the knee. A significantly different modulation of the two reflexes was found in the late stance where the stretch reflex decreased in relation to the H-reflex. This was consistent with the unloading of the muscle spindles during the push-off in the late stance, suggesting a complex alpha-gamma coactivation, if any, at this time of the step. The soleus stretch reflex and H-reflex were compared during the stance phase of walking and sitting at matched soleus activity. No difference was found in the amplitude of the stretch reflex. However, there was a significant decrease of the H-reflex during the stance phase of walking, consistent with a task-specific presynaptic mediated reflex control. It is proposed that the short latency stretch reflex during walking is not sensitive to such a presynaptic inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]