Popliteal fossa

Question 1

Superiolateral border

Answer 1

Biceps femoris

Question 2

Inferiomedial border

Answer 2

Medial head of gastrocnemius

Question 3

Inferiolateral border

Answer 3

Lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris

Question 4

Floor

Answer 4

Posterior surface of knee joint capsule and femur

Question 5

Roof

Answer 5

Popliteal fascia and skin

Question 6

Contents medial to lateral

Answer 6

Popliteal artery (deepest),
Popliteal vein,
Tibial nerve,
Common fibular nerve

Question 7

Superiomedial border

Answer 7

Semimembranosus

Question 8

What are the causes of a mass in popliteal fossa

Answer 8

Baker's/popliteal cyst
Popliteal aneurysm 
DVT
Adventitial cyst of popliteal artery 
Various neoplasms e.g. Rhabdomyosarcoma

Question 9

What is a baker’s cyst

Answer 9

Inflammation and swelling of semimembranosus bursa in the knee joint

Question 10

What does baker’s cyst usually arise in conjunction with

Answer 10

Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis of the knee

Question 11

Consequence of baker’s cyst

Answer 11

Usually resolves

Cyst can rupture and produce symptoms similar to DVT

Question 12

What is an aneurysm

Answer 12

Dilation of artery >50% of normal diameter

Question 13

Why do popliteal aneurysms affect contents of popliteal fossa

Answer 13

Popliteal fascia is tough and non-extensible

Question 14

Consequence of popliteal aneurysm

Answer 14

Tibial nerve can be compressed

This leads to leg anaesthesia or loss of leg motor function

Question 15

How are popliteal aneurysms detected

Answer 15

By palpable pulsation in popliteal fossa with abnormal arterial sounds