The popliteus is a muscle present in the popliteal fossa that runs from the tibia to the lateral condyle. Isolated injuries to the popliteus are uncommon and primarily seen in contact sports.
Function: stabilizes the knee, protects the lateral meniscus, unlocking of the knee when it bends
Precipitating trauma: forced external rotation of the tibia relative to the femur. This may or may not involve direct contact. If there is contact, it is to the posterolateral knee. Noncontact injuries follow external rotation on a flexed knee.
In isolated popliteus muscle injury, there is sparing of the nerves and blood vessels.
Sports where isolated injury encountered: American football, soccer
Signs and symptoms of injury:
(1) lateral-sided knee pain
(2) effusion with knee swelling
When injury is severe there is an avulsion injury off the lateral femoral condyle or rupture of the tendon. Management requires operative fixation or repair.
