Popliteus tendon rupture. Case report and review of the literature

A 23-year-old man sustained an isolated popliteus tendon rupture while pushing a car. The diagnosis was established with the use of arthroscopy, electromyography, and Cybex testing. After the patient failed to respond to conservative therapy, the tendon rupture was surgically repaired. The patient had an uneventful recovery and returned to his preinjury level of athletic activity. Although popliteus tendon tenosynovitis as well as injury to the popliteus in association with other ligamentous knee injuries has been described, neither an isolated popliteus tendon rupture nor an arthroscopic evaluation of a popliteus tendon rupture has been reported.