Popliteal Entrapment And Chronic Compartment Syndromes

Popliteal entrapment syndrome can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and vascular testing. The diagnosis is typically made by a vascular surgeon or a specialist in vascular medicine.

During the clinical evaluation, the doctor will ask about the patient’s symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination, looking for signs of reduced blood flow to the lower leg and foot, such as pulselessness, coldness, or discolouration.

Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, can help visualize the anatomy of the popliteal artery and nearby structures, such as muscles and tendons, and identify any areas of compression or stenosis.

Vascular testing, such as ankle-brachial index (ABI) or Doppler ultrasound, can measure blood pressure and blood flow in the affected leg and help determine the severity of the condition.

In some cases, a treadmill test may be performed to simulate exercise and provoke symptoms, which can help diagnose popliteal entrapment syndrome.

The treatment of popliteal entrapment syndrome depends on the severity of symptoms and the degree of arterial compression. Conservative measures may include rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. However, in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.