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Popliteal fossa

The diamond-shaped space behind the knee, home of Baker’s cysts. Key to safe access to the knee joint.

Anatomy · Lower limb

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

Written by Dr Aparajeya Shanker, MD

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