Open Popliteal Tendon Repair

Popliteal tendon tears without concomitant damage to the cruciate ligaments or other posterolateral corner ligaments are rare entities with few studies reporting on their existence, with rare case reports discussing their treatment. Continued pain, instability, and effusions are typical symptoms, with magnetic resonance imaging being the main tool for diagnosis. Furthermore, monosodium urate crystals that induce gout have been shown to collect in the popliteal groove and thus may lead to degeneration and isolated tearing. Most case reports have reviewed arthroscopic debridement of the tendon in patients with continued pain. However, in the young athletic population, open repair, if the tissue appears to be of adequate quality, should be a consideration. The use of suture anchors to restore the popliteus to its anatomic footprint is desired. This Technical Note describes a safe and reliable technique for open popliteal tendon repair of an isolated avulsion injury.