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.

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