[The popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Clinical experience]

The authors report their experience in treating three cases of popliteal artery entrapment. The analysis is based on the onset and the gap of time between the symptoms and the diagnostic certainty referred to the age of the patients. The diagnostic approach and follow-up is discussed including magnetic resonance of popliteal fossa. The surgical approach was constantly a shaped dorsal incision, and the reconstruction was performed in two cases with carbon coated dacron grafts of 6 mm diameter for the inadequacy of veins available. Any true aneurysm formation was identified. All grafts are patent on follow-up and the viability of the popliteal artery that underwent to simply myotomy is confirmed too by doppler ultrasound. Any recurrence of symptoms is recognized, in only one case was observed a concomitant entrapment in the other leg, not treated now is underlined. The advantage available for the patient in a physiokinetic therapy program, forerunner of a complete functional restoring, especially in athletic patients.