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The popliteal artery entrapment syndrome in children
R J Cummings1, H W Webb, W W Lovell
1Nemours Children's Clinic, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jacksonville, FL 32247.
Insights
Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, rare in young patients, causes leg pain due to artery compression. Early diagnosis by orthopedists is crucial for effective treatment of this vascular condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Vascular Surgery
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare condition causing lower limb ischemia.
- It typically results from anatomical abnormalities compressing the popliteal artery.
- PAES is infrequently recognized in pediatric and adolescent populations.
Observation:
- This review analyzes 41 cases of PAES in patients under 20 years old.
- Symptoms arise from vascular insufficiency due to aberrant popliteal artery pathways or surrounding muscle impingement.
- The condition is often overlooked in young orthopedic patients due to the rarity of vascular insufficiency in this demographic.
Findings:
- Anomalous popliteal artery course or surrounding musculature can lead to entrapment.
- Vascular insufficiency is an uncommon presentation in pediatric orthopedic patients.
- PAES is underdiagnosed in the orthopedic literature for this age group.
Implications:
- Orthopedic surgeons should consider PAES in young patients presenting with leg symptoms suggestive of vascular compromise.
- Increased awareness and familiarity with PAES can improve diagnostic rates in pediatric populations.
- Timely diagnosis and management of PAES are essential to prevent long-term vascular complications.
Abstract:
This article reviews 41 cases of the popliteal artery entrapment syndrome in individuals less than 20 years of age. In this syndrome, symptoms are caused by vascular insufficiency produced by either an anomalous course of the popliteal artery or anomalous muscles impinging upon it. Because vascular insufficiency is uncommon in orthopedic patients in this age group and this syndrome has received little attention in the orthopedic literature, orthopedists unfamiliar with this relatively easily diagnosed condition may miss it.