The popliteus tendon is unique in that it passes intra-articularly through the popliteal hiatus in the posterior lateral meniscus before inserting on the lateral femoral condyle. This intra-articular segment allows the popliteus to both rotate the tibia and stabilise the lateral meniscus. The popliteal hiatus — through which the tendon passes — is visible arthroscopically as the posterior lateral portal of the knee joint.
Unlocks the knee from full extension (screw home mechanism reversal); initiates flexion; protects the lateral meniscus posterior horn from excessive compression
Popliteus tendinopathy produces lateral knee pain during downhill running reproduced by the Garrick test (resisted internal tibial rotation with the knee at 90 degrees of flexion). It is distinguished from LCL and lateral meniscal pathology by the location at the popliteal sulcus. Posterolateral corner reconstruction addresses popliteus insufficiency in combined PLC injuries.
Lateral femoral condyle tendon degeneration producing lateral knee pain during downhill running managed with activity modification and eccentric loading.
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