Popliteal artery thrombosis in a young woman, secondary to bony exostosis

Idiopathic thrombosis of the popliteal artery in young people is exceedingly uncommon. Previously suggested etiologies are cystic adventitial disease, popliteal entrapment syndrome, Buerger's Disease, juvenile arteriosclerosis and synovial cysts. An instance of popliteal artery thrombosis secondary to compression by a bony exostosis is recorded to call attention to this unusual etiological mechanism in a 21 year old woman. Restoration of arterial continuity was achieved by endarterectomy and a venous patch graft following excision of the bony exostosis.