Question

Can you repair the popliteus?

Answer 1

You can repair the popliteus.

The popliteus tendon can be repaired surgically, which often involves the reattachment to the femur using suture anchors, screws or staples.

Although surgery for popliteus repair is often reserved for severe cases of popliteus problems like avulsion fractures or any injuries that are associated with other ligament damage.

Most popliteus injuries that are isolated are managed successfully through conservative, non surgical treatments like rest, the use of anti-inflammatory medication as well as physical therapy and targeted strengthening exercises.

Recovery from injured popliteus tendons and popliteus tendon surgery is often 3 to 16 weeks for full recovery depending on your overall health and the severity of the injury.

Surgery is often performed for mainly avulsed osteochondral fragments from the femoral attachment or when the popliteus injury is also a part of a complex multi-ligament knee injury.

To fix the popliteus surgically, surgeons may use an open or arthroscopic approach to reattach the popliteus tendon or perform a reconstruction if the tissue quality is insufficient.

Conservative management and treatment for popliteus injuries include rest and activity modification, physiotherapy and adjunctive therapies.

Adjunctive therapies for popliteus issues and popliteus injuries include ice, NSAID medications, and sometimes the use of shockwave therapy, which can be used to manage the pain and stimulate healing.

Physiotherapy for fixing issues with the popliteus tendon and popliteus injuries is also essential for restoring function.

Physiotherapy involves strengthening your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, stretching and specific exercises like tibial rotation and eccentric loading.

Rest and activity modification involves avoiding high impact activities which aggravate your knee.

If you experience any mechanical symptoms in your knee or pain, you should consult with an orthopedic specialist to determine if the injury requires any intervention or if rehabilitation is sufficient.