Popliteus tendinitis

Looking at the knee from the side, the circle shows the site of pain from popliteus tendinitis.

Symptoms of popliteus tendinitis

Popliteus tendinitis (or tendonitis) causes pain on the lateral side of the knee, along the course of the proximal popliteus tendon and can be aggravated with resisted external rotation of the lower leg.

It is rare and triggered by unusual or excessive exercise.

Sometimes crystals - like the ones found in gout - can be deposited in the tendon. Surgical excision of the crystals may remove the pain.

• Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

  "....Usually patients have symptoms that include tenderness along the course of the proximal popliteus tendon and pain with resisted external rotation. Treatment is directed at eccentric strengthening of the quadriceps to reduce strain on the popliteus....."

  Citation: Petsche TS, Selesnick FH. Popliteus tendinitis: tips for diagnosis and management. Phys Sportsmed. 2002 Aug;30(8):27-31. doi: 10.3810/psm.2002.08.401. PMID: 20086537.

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Management of popliteus tendinitis

Management of popliteus tendinitis is generally conservative, ie non surgical, consisting of rest and anti-inflammatory medication.

In intractable cases, the surgeon may recommend tendon ablation via arthroscopic surgery.

• Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

  "....Treatment is directed at eccentric strengthening of the quadriceps to reduce strain on the popliteus. Most patients respond well to physical therapy and NSAIDs; however, recalcitrant cases may require local corticosteroid injection......"

  Citation: Petsche TS, Selesnick FH. Popliteus tendinitis: tips for diagnosis and management. Phys Sportsmed. 2002 Aug;30(8):27-31. doi: 10.3810/psm.2002.08.401. PMID: 20086537.

• Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

  "....arthroscopic popliteus tendon ablation....to ablate the inflamed part of the popliteal tendon....[and] the inflammatory synovial tissue surrounding the popliteal tendon.... [may] be considered an option in cases of persistent and intractable popliteus tendinitis......"

  Citation: Chen B, Liu HK, Wang H. Arthroscopic Treatment of Popliteus Tendinitis Using the Accessory Portal. Front Surg. 2022 Apr 21;9:860300. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.860300. PMID: 35529907; PMCID: PMC9069127.

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Sesamoid bone as a cause of popliteus tendinitis

There are reports of popliteus tendinitis due to a sesamoid bone in the tendon.

A sesamoid bone is a normal structure where a bone exists within a tendon, like the patella and fabella.

If a sesamoid bone, in this case a cyamella, seems to be the cause of tendon irritation it usually does not affect the management, but on occasion a cyamella may be surgically removed.

• Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

  "Orthopaedic surgeons and general practitioners who encounter patients with persistent undiagnosed lateral knee pain should bear in mind the diagnosis of a cyamella....[where]....impingement of the popliteus tendon secondary to the cyamella....[can result in]....popliteal tendonitis...."

  Citation: Rehmatullah N, McNair R, Sanchez-Ballester J. A cyamella causing popliteal tendonitis. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2014 Jan;96(1):91E-93E. doi: 10.1308/003588414X13824511649931. PMID: 24417852; PMCID: PMC5137648.

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Forum discussions

• Re: I finally have my diagnosis

  A runner discusses a snapping popliteus tendon.

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