Snapping popliteal tendon as a source of lateral knee pain

A 25-year-old female patient underwent surgery for a history of pain and popping on the lateral aspect of her right knee. It was initially thought that the patient had iliotibial (IT) band syndrome which was refractory to conservative treatment. However, upon release of the IT band, the snapping which was audible and palpable pre-operatively was still present. Further exploration of the posterior-lateral aspect of the knee revealed that the popliteal tendon was snapping over the incisura poplitea extensoria on the lateral femoral condyle. Excision of the prominent portion of the articular ridge below the sulcus popliteus eliminated the snapping sensation. The patient has remained asymptomatic since surgery for the past 22 months.