popliteal artery entrapment syndrome

Pain in the lower leg due to entrapment of the popliteal artery in the popliteal fossa behind the knee. The artery may become temporarily occluded when the knee is flexed during exercise producing a pain that may be confused with the pain of shinsplints. Popliteal artery entrapment can be differentially diagnosed by palpating the dorsalis pedis pulse (the pulse on the top of the foot). Entrapment is indicated by the pulse disappearing when the knee is flexed (however, transmission of a pedal pulse does not always mean there is no arterial injury). It can be confirmed by arteriography.