Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: A Diagnostic Enigma. Case Report and Current Concepts Review

Abstract

Presented here is the case of a 16-year-old male cross-country runner with chronic leg pain who was diagnosed with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. An extensive workup was performed on the athlete that eventually included a postexercise arteriogram to reach the diagnosis. Ultimately the athlete’s symptoms required him to undergo bilateral leg surgeries to decompress the popliteal arteries. Extensive collaboration between athletic trainers, physical therapists, orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and vascular surgery was required to treat the athlete’s condition and return him to distance running.