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Popliteus Tendon Morphology: Anatomical Classification and Clinical Implications-A Narrative Review
Łukasz Olewnik1, Ingrid C Landfald1, Bartosz Gonera1
1Department of Clinical Anatomy, Mazovian Academy, 09-402 Płock, Poland.
Biomedicines
|September 27, 2025
Summary
The popliteus tendon (PT) is crucial for knee stability. Understanding its anatomical variations improves diagnosis and surgical outcomes for knee injuries, especially in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Sports Medicine
- Knee Anatomy and Biomechanics
Background:
- The popliteus tendon (PT) is integral to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee.
- Its role in knee stability and function is often underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on the popliteus tendon's anatomy, biomechanics, imaging, and clinical relevance.
- To emphasize the importance of its morphological variability in orthopedic sports medicine.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of anatomical, biomechanical, imaging, and surgical studies.
- Focus on the Olewnik et al. anatomical classification system.
Main Results:
- Significant anatomical variability exists in the PT (e.g., bifid tendons, accessory fascicles).
- PT variants impact preoperative planning, imaging interpretation, and surgical outcomes (ACL/PLC reconstruction).
- PT is vital for rotational control and meniscal stabilization, particularly in athletes.
Conclusions:
- The PT is a critical structure for managing posterolateral and rotational knee instability.
- Awareness of PT variability enhances diagnostic accuracy and surgical precision.
- Imaging (MRI, ultrasound) and arthroscopy are key for diagnosis; surgical planning benefits from classification systems.
Keywords:
ACL reconstructionanatomical variationdiagnostic imagingdial testknee rehabilitationknee stabilitypopliteus tendonposterolateral cornerposterolateral drawer testposterolateral knee surgeryrotational instabilitysports orthopedicsMore Related Videos
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