Subpopliteal Recess

Description

The SPR with the popliteus muscle and fibular collateral ligament. A posterolateral view of the knee demonstrating the lateral knee structures. The SPR is a synovial lined knee expansion or recess located in the posterolateral corner of the knee. Its anteromedial wall is formed by the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus, and its posterolateral border is the popliteus tendon. FCL, fibular collateral ligament; FI, fibula; PL, popliteus; SPR, subpopliteal recess; TI, tibia.

Name

• Subpopliteal Recess
• Popliteus Bursa

General

• One of the many bursae of the knee
• Synovial recess that extends distally along the popliteus tendon
• Located in the posterolateral corner of the knee

Gross Anatomy

• Located between the lateral tibial condyle and the popliteus
• May extends distally 1 cm below the joint line
• Anteromedially: bounded by the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus
• Posterolaterally: bounded by popliteus tendon
• Length can vary, average is 22 mm
• Morphology influenced by the presence of fabellofibular ligament which elongates the recess

Variant Anatomy

• Rarely takes an intra-articular course

Popliteus Bursa

• Previously used term for the bursa
• This structure is an expansion of the articular cavity and not an isolated synovial bursa

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Clinical Significance

• Meniscus Tear of the lateral meniscus
• Discoid Meniscus
• Adhesive Capsulitis
• Interarticular loose bodies
• Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor

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See Also

• Knee Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Knee
• Knee Pain Main

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