Branching patterns of the popliteal artery and its clinical importance

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the popliteal artery branching patterns and related measurements. Methods A cadaveric study in forty lower limbs was performed to improve the understanding of anatomy of the popliteal artery and its main branches. Results Normal branching of the poplitea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Surgical and radiologic anatomy (English ed.) 2009-06, Vol.31 (5), p.357-362
Main Authors: Ozgur, Zuhal, Ucerler, Hulya, Aktan Ikiz, Z. Asli
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Anatomy
Anatomy & physiology
Biological and medical sciences
Female
General aspects
Humans
Imaging
Legs
Male
Medical sciences
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Original Article
Orthopedics
Popliteal Artery - anatomy & histology
Radiology
Reference Values
Surgery
Veins & arteries
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Summary:Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the popliteal artery branching patterns and related measurements. Methods A cadaveric study in forty lower limbs was performed to improve the understanding of anatomy of the popliteal artery and its main branches. Results Normal branching of the popliteal artery was present in 36 specimens (90%). High origin of the anterior tibial artery was seen in two specimens (5%). The bifurcation was at the level of proximal border of popliteus, but the posterior tibial artery originated directly from the popliteal artery in one specimen (2.5%). Trifurcation pattern with no trunk was observed in one specimen (2.5%). Conclusions We believe that a review of the anatomic characteristics of the popliteal artery and its branches will be beneficial for the surgical approaches and the choice of suitable arterial graft sites.
ISSN:0930-1038
1279-8517
DOI:10.1007/s00276-008-0454-y