Popliteal Fossa

The popliteal fossa is a diamond shaped space in the posterior surface of the knee. It is the site of Baker's cysts, and knowledge of the Popliteal Fossa is essential for accessing the knee joint in a safe manner.

Dr Aparajeya Shanker, MD

anatomy

Topographic Anatomy

Popliteal Fossa


Borders


  1. Superior:

    1. Semi-membranosus

  2. Medial:

    1. Semi-Tendinosus

  3. Lateral:

    1. Biceps Femoris

  4. Inferior:

    1. The two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle

  5. Floor:

    1. Posterior Aspect of the distal femur

    2. Posterior capsule of the knee joint

    3. Popliteus Muscle


Contents


  1. Blood Vessels:

    1. Popliteal Artery and Vein

      1. The Popliteal Artery is the deepest structure within the Popliteal Fossa

    2. Short Saphenous Vein

  2. Nerves:

    1. Tibial Nerve (L4-S3)

    2. Common Fibular Nerve (L4-S2)

    3. Sural Nerve (S1,S2)

    4. Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (S2,S3)

  3. Lymph Nodes:

    1. Superficial Popliteal Lymph Nodes

    2. Deep Popliteal Lymph Nose

Surgical Anatomy And Surgical Considerations

  • Access to the popliteal fossa is achieved via an S-shaped incision. This incision is centered in an oblique manner over the joint line.

  • Surgical access to the popliteal fossa, and surgery of the popliteal fossa predisposes the Tibial Nerve (L4-S3) artery to risk of transection.

Chart

Popliteal Fossa


Borders


  1. Superior:

    1. Semi-membranosus

  2. Medial:

    1. Semi-Tendinosus

  3. Lateral:

    1. Biceps Femoris

  4. Inferior:

    1. The two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle

  5. Floor:

    1. Posterior Aspect of the distal femur

    2. Posterior capsule of the knee joint

    3. Popliteus Muscle


Contents


  1. Blood Vessels:

    1. Popliteal Artery and Vein

      1. The Popliteal Artery is the deepest structure within the Popliteal Fossa

    2. Short Saphenous Vein

  2. Nerves:

    1. Tibial Nerve (L4-S3)

    2. Common Fibular Nerve (L4-S2)

    3. Sural Nerve (S1,S2)

    4. Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (S2,S3)

  3. Lymph Nodes:

    1. Superficial Popliteal Lymph Nodes

    2. Deep Popliteal Lymph Nose

Surgical Anatomy And Surgical Considerations

  • Access to the popliteal fossa is achieved via an S-shaped incision. This incision is centered in an oblique manner over the joint line.

  • Surgical access to the popliteal fossa, and surgery of the popliteal fossa predisposes the Tibial Nerve (L4-S3) artery to risk of transection.

Chart

Popliteal Fossa


Borders


  1. Superior:

    1. Semi-membranosus

  2. Medial:

    1. Semi-Tendinosus

  3. Lateral:

    1. Biceps Femoris

  4. Inferior:

    1. The two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle

  5. Floor:

    1. Posterior Aspect of the distal femur

    2. Posterior capsule of the knee joint

    3. Popliteus Muscle


Contents


  1. Blood Vessels:

    1. Popliteal Artery and Vein

      1. The Popliteal Artery is the deepest structure within the Popliteal Fossa

    2. Short Saphenous Vein

  2. Nerves:

    1. Tibial Nerve (L4-S3)

    2. Common Fibular Nerve (L4-S2)

    3. Sural Nerve (S1,S2)

    4. Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (S2,S3)

  3. Lymph Nodes:

    1. Superficial Popliteal Lymph Nodes

    2. Deep Popliteal Lymph Nose

Surgical Anatomy And Surgical Considerations

  • Access to the popliteal fossa is achieved via an S-shaped incision. This incision is centered in an oblique manner over the joint line.

  • Surgical access to the popliteal fossa, and surgery of the popliteal fossa predisposes the Tibial Nerve (L4-S3) artery to risk of transection.

Chart

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