A proposal for a new morphological classification of the popliteus muscle tendon with potential clinical and biomechanical significance

Olewnik L, Laprade RF, Paulsen F, Gonera B, Kurtys K, Podgorski M, Aragones P, Sanudo JR, Polguj M (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Scientific Reports Nature Publishing Group: Open Access Journals - Option B

Book Volume: 11

Article Number: 14434

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93778-5

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphological variations in the proximal attachments and create an accurate classification of the PPM for use in planning surgical procedures in this area, for evaluating radiological imaging and rehabilitation. One hundred and thirty-four lower limbs of body donors (52 woman and 82 man) fixed in 10% formalin solution were examined. The popliteus muscle was present in all 134 limbs. Four main types were identified with subtypes. The most common type was Type I (34.3%), characterized by a single tendon in the popliteus sulcus. Type II (30.6%) characterized by a main tendon in the popliteus sulcus and accessory bands. This type was divided into five subtypes (A–E) based on presence of specific accessory bands. Type III (15.3%) was characterized by two tendons in the popliteal sulcus. Type IV (19.4%) was characterized by two tendons in the popliteus sulcus and additional bands. This type was also divided into five subtypes (A–E) based on presence of specific accessory bands. The popliteofibular ligament was present in 90.3% of cases. A new classification based on a proximal attachment is proposed. The popliteus tendon is characterized by a very high morphological variability, which can affect posterolateral knee stability and the natural rotation of the tibia. Such a classification system may be useful for clinicians performing medical procedures within the knee joint, including orthopedic surgeons.

Authors with CRIS profile

Friedrich Paulsen Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle und Klinische Anatomie

Involved external institutions

Medical University of Łódź / Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi PL Poland (PL) Twin Cities Orthopaedics US United States (USA) (US) Instytut Centrum Zdrowia Matki Polki w Łodzi (ICZMP) / Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute PL Poland (PL) Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina ES Spain (ES) Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) ES Spain (ES)

How to cite

APA:

Olewnik, L., Laprade, R.F., Paulsen, F., Gonera, B., Kurtys, K., Podgorski, M.,... Polguj, M. (2021). A proposal for a new morphological classification of the popliteus muscle tendon with potential clinical and biomechanical significance. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93778-5

MLA:

Olewnik, Lukasz, et al. "A proposal for a new morphological classification of the popliteus muscle tendon with potential clinical and biomechanical significance." Scientific Reports 11.1 (2021).

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