Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: anatomic or functional syndrome?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study is to present our clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of young athletes with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.
DESIGN: Retrospective Case Series.
METHODS: We report our experience with 5 patients with lower leg pain in a population of 2000 athletes in whom popliteal artery entrapment diagnosed with the use of duplex ultrasonography, computed tomography, digital subtraction angiography or conventional arteriography. Posterior surgical approach performed to offer better view of the anatomic structures compressing the popliteal artery.
RESULTS: In 4 patients in whom compression had not yet damaged the arterial wall, no anatomical abnormalities found within the popliteal fossa during surgical exploration. Hypertrophy of gastrocnemius muscle was the only finding. In the fifth patient an anatomical abnormality found in which the artery following the classic aberrant course, looped medially to and then beneath the medial head of gastrocnemius. All patients recovered completely.
CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that physicians who encounter athletes with progressive lower leg pain should consider functional popliteal artery entrapment surgery, which can prevent the disease's progression. We discuss clinical symptoms of the syndrome, radiological and ultrasonographical findings, and diagnostic criteria. Early diagnosis is of great importance in order to avoid vascular complications, and aid in athletes' early rehabilitation.