An unusual mechanism of isolated injury to the popliteus muscle related to dance: a case report

Abstract

The popliteus is a thin, flat, triangular muscle that originates from the lateral condyle of the femur and inserts on the posterior surface of the tibia and soleal line. Injury to the popliteus musculotendinous unit is an infrequent cause of posterolateral knee pain. This can result from a traumatic event or as a result of cumulative overload. This report describes posterior knee pain from a popliteal injury that resulted from an unusual low-velocity mechanism while performing a dance movement, which can be easily missed. Clinical and ultrasonographic features that lead to the diagnosis are described. The patient was able to return to dancing after physical rehabilitation and adjustment to dance technique. The report provides an account of popliteus injury through an unusual mechanism and treatment that can aid the clinician in the diagnosis and management of popliteus injury.

Keywords

skeletal muscle disorders / knee injuries / dance / ultrasound imaging

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