MSK- Popliteal Fossa

Question 1

What are the borders of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 1

Superomedial
Semimembranosus

Superolateral
Biceps femoris

Inferomedial
Medial head of gastrocnemius

Inferolateral
Lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris

Question 2

What are the contents of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 2

Popliteal artery
Popliteal vein
Tibial nerve
Common fibular nerve

Question 3

What is a Baker’s Cyst?

Answer 3

Inflammation of the semimembranosus bursa
Usually with osteoarthritis of the knee

Cyst can rupture, symptoms similar to deep vein thrombosis

Question 4

Identify the borders of the Popliteal fossa

Answer 4

A- Superomedial border
Semimembranosus

B- Superolateral border
Biceps Femoris

C-Inferomedial border
Medial head of Gastrocnemius

D- Inferolateral border
Lateral head of Gastrocnemius

Question 5

Identify the sciatic nerve and where it bifurcates

Answer 5

F-Sciatic nerve
(emerges inferiorly to piriformis)

G- Bifurcation of sciatic nerve
(apex of popliteal fossa)

Question 6

Identify the tibial nerve and common fibular nerve

Answer 6

H- Tibial nerve
I- Common fibular nerve

Question 7

Identify the popliteal artery and vein

Answer 7

K- Popliteal artery
I- Popliteal vein

Question 8

What is the relevance of the popliteal artery being deep?

Answer 8

Have to press deeply to palpate pulse