Aneurysm of the Distal Popliteal Artery and Its Relationship to the Arcuate Popliteal Ligament

Abstract

Two cases presenting complications of popliteal aneurysm requiring amputation have been presented. Dissection of these limbs showed proximal popliteal aneurysms located immediately beyond the adductor magnus tendinous hiatus and, in addition, distal popliteal aneurysms immediately below the arcuate popliteal ligament. Another case is described in which bilateral popliteal aneurysms were located in the distal popliteal artery—that is, immediately below the arcuate popliteal ligament. These findings support the concept that post-stenotic dilation may be one of the causal factors in the pathogenesis not only of proximal but also of distal popliteal aneurysms.