Popliteal entrapment syndrome is caused by compression of which artery by which muscle?

• A. The popliteal artery compressed by the medial head of the gastrocnemius
• B. The femoral artery compressed by the iliopsoas
• C. The radial artery compressed by the brachioradialis
• D. The popliteal vein compressed by the plantaris

Answer: (A)

This question tests how popliteal entrapment syndrome occurs. It happens when the popliteal artery is compressed in the popliteal fossa by a nearby muscle. The classic scenario is the medial head of the gastrocnemius crossing over and compressing the artery during muscle contraction, leading to intermittent symptoms in the leg.

So the best answer is that the popliteal artery is compressed by the medial head of the gastrocnemius. The other options describe entrapments in different regions or involving different vessels that aren’t the typical pattern seen in popliteal entrapment syndrome.