A New Syndrome: The Popliteal Pseudo-Entrapment

The pseudo-entrapment syndrome is caused by kinking of the popliteal artery and vein, and/or of the common tibial nerve, and occsionally of the common fibular nerve. The clinical symptoms are similar to the symptoms found in the entrapment syndrome. The kinking in pseudo-entrapment syndrome is caused by a transverse fibrous band, resulting in calf pain and distress. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and operative treatment of this new and common syndrome are described. In 66 lower limbs of 49 patients a popliteal pseudo-entrapment syndrome was confirmed by Doppler ultrasound. It was caused by kinking of the popliteal vessels and nerves on one or more fibrous bands transversing the popliteal fossa from the lateral to the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Of the 49 patients (66 limbs), 32 patients, mostly women, (41 limbs) were opperated on by dividing the fibrous bands. Results after operation were assessed by Doppler ultrasound. Pulsation in the pedal arteries was present in spite of maximal knee flexion and tiptoeing. Postoperatively the patients were without symptoms and complaints. The results achieved by operation were still maintained five years later.