ABSTRACT
This study defines the sagittal distance from the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
to the popliteal artery under simulated arthroscopic conditions. This information
is relevant for posterior knee arthroscopy, particularly for the safe establishment
of the posterior trans-septal portal. Measurements from the PCL to the popliteal artery
were made on sagittal magnetic resonance images obtained in a previous study of 10
fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. The mean sagittal distance from the mid-PCL to the popliteal
artery was 29.1 ±11 mm (range: 18-55 mm). The mean sagittal distance from the proximal
PCL fovea to the popliteal artery was 9.7±5 mm (range: 3-16 mm). The results of this
study provide the arthroscopist working in the posterior compartments of the knee
with a more detailed knowledge of the anatomic relationship between the PCL and popliteal
artery. This knowledge will help minimize the risk of iatrogenic vascular injury during
arthroscopic knee surgery.