Posterior Knee Venous Plexus

plexus venosus posterior genus

A network of posterior knee veins draining the posterior capsule, posterior fat pad, and posterior condylar regions into the popliteal vein tributaries. This plexus is the source of posterior knee haematoma after posterior capsular injury.

Region: Knee

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The posterior knee venous plexus is the source of post-arthroscopic posterior knee haematoma when posterior portals breach the posterior capsule. In PCL reconstruction, the posterior neurovascular bundle must be protected — the venous plexus bleeds readily if the posterior capsule is breached without adequate protection. The plexus is visible during posterior knee arthroscopy as a network of vessels in the posterior synovial tissue.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Posterior Knee Haematoma from Venous Plexus Injury

Post-arthroscopic posterior knee swelling from posterior venous plexus disruption through posterior portal placement, managed by knee aspiration and compression bandaging.