The popliteal artery is a fairly large vessel, directly extending down the femoral artery. It lies in the composition of the neurovascular bundle, along with the eponymous vein and tibial nerve. Behind, from the side of the popliteal fossa, the vein lies closer to the surface than the artery; and the tibial nerve is even more superficial than the blood vessels.
Location and Topography
Starting at the lower aperture of the adductor canal, located under the semi-membrane mice, the popliteal artery adjoins at the bottom of the popliteal fossa first to the femur (directly to the popliteal surface), and later to the capsule shell of the knee joint.
The lower section of the artery contacts the popliteal muscle. It penetrates into the narrow space between the abdomen of the calf muscle, which cover it. And reaching the edge of the soleus muscle, the vessel is divided into the posterior and anterior tibial arteries.
The direction of the popliteal artery along its length varies:
• In the upper part of the popliteal fossa, the vessel has a downward and outward direction.
• Starting from the level of the middle of the popliteal fossa, the popliteal artery goes almost steeply downward.
Branches of the popliteal artery
In its course, the popliteal artery gives off a number of branches:
• Upper muscle branches.
• Upper lateral knee artery.
• Upper medial knee artery.
• Middle knee artery.
• Lower lateral knee artery.
• Lower medial knee artery.
• The gastrocnemius arteries (two; more rarely, more).
Popliteal Artery Aneurysm
According to medical statistics, this is the most common localization of aneurysms in the periphery: about 70% of peripheral aneurysms are localized in the popliteal region. Atherosclerosis is considered to be the main reason for this pathological condition, since it is established as an etiological factor in the vast majority of patients with popliteal artery aneurysm.
Aneurysm of the popliteal artery develops almost regardless of age; the average age of patients is approximately 60 years, and the range of ages is from 40 to 90 years. Bilateral lesion is recorded in 50% of cases.
More often, this disease affects men.
In the clinical picture, the symptoms of ischemic lesion of the distal extremity prevail; symptoms of compression of the nerve and vein may also be added (when squeezing them with an aneurysm).
Complications:
• thrombosis of the aneurysm (aneurysm cavity);
• rupture of aneurysm;
• calcification of aneurysm;
• nerve compression.
For diagnosis, apply:
• angiography;
• CT scan.
For treatment, the popliteal artery is most often ligated on both sides of the aneurysm (proximal and distal to it) followed by bypass.
Popliteal Artery Thrombosis
A predisposing factor for the formation of blood clots in the arteries is damage to the inner surface of the vessels, the causes of which may be the following factors:
• atherosclerotic deposits on the walls of blood vessels;
• hypertonic disease;
• diabetes;
• trauma to the vascular wall;
• vasculitis.
Clinical manifestations
Popliteal artery thrombosis is manifested by the following symptoms:
• Severe soreness in the limb, appearing sharply. Patients often compare her appearance with a stroke. In the future, the pain can take on a paroxysmal character; and an attack of pain leads to the appearance of sweat on the skin. Some weakening of pain over time does not mean an objective improvement in the patient's condition.
• Blanching of the skin of the affected limb.
• Lowering the temperature of the skin of the affected limb.
• The appearance of thickening on the leg; its location coincides with the level of localization of the thrombus.
• Decrease, and later - the disappearance of sensitivity on the leg; the appearance of paresthesia.
• Limited mobility of the affected limb. In the future, mobility can be completely lost.
As a rule, symptoms develop gradually, starting with the appearance of pain.
In the absence of adequate measures, a complication of gangrene may develop. This condition is characterized by the presence of a clear border between normal and necrotic tissues. In the future, the necrotic site is mummified.
The worst case scenario is infection of the necrotic area. This condition is diagnosed by sharply developing hyperthermia, severe leukocytosis in the blood and the presence of ulcerative decay.