Morphological study of the popliteus muscle-tendon complex in formalin embalmed adult cadavers

Background: The dimensions of popliteus muscle and its tendon are subjected to variability in the origin, mode of insertion, innervation patterns and vascular supply. The aim of this study was to measure the length, thickness and width of the popliteus muscle and its tendon at its different parts. The objectives were to study the topographic anatomy of the neurovascular structures of the popliteus and also to determine the dimensions of the popliteo-fibular ligament. Methods: This descriptive cross sectional institutional based study included 50 formalin embalmed adult lower limb specimens. The measurements were performed by using the digital Vernier caliper. Results: The length of the popliteus muscle belly along the upper and lower border were 44.2±6.63 mm and 89.26±14.41 mm, width of the muscle belly at midpoint, musculotendinous junction and insertion were 28.45±6.85 mm, 11.7±3.5 mm and 75.95±10.7 mm. The thickness of muscle belly at the midpoint was 2.55±0.55 mm. The length of popliteal tendon, width at origin and at musculotendinous junction were 24.85±2.15 mm, 7.55±1.55 mm and 8.5±1.15 mm. The thickness of tendon of popliteus was 2.6±0.75 mm. The length of nerve to popliteus was 50.44±8.66 mm and its origin was located 27.54±6.18 mm from the intercondylar line. The distance of origin of medial and lateral geniculate arteries from the intercondylar line were 26.26±10.47 mm and 20.76±5.19 mm. The distance of division of popliteal artery was 49.44±16.26 mm from the intercondylar line. The length and width of the popliteo-fibular ligament was 17.84±3.43 mm and 7.36±1.9 mm individually. Conclusions: This study offered detailed morphometric data of the popliteus and it is believed that the data of this anatomical research is enlightening to orthopedic surgeons particularly in the field of arthroscopic and plastic surgery. The data can be considered as the database from our population.