A study of the length of popliteal artery in thiel cadaver and clinical applications

The length of popliteal arteries might vary according to ethnicity and geographical locations. This study intends to examine the length of the popliteal artery and the associated clinical significances. 24 popliteal regions of 12 Thiel embalmed cadavers between the ages of 32 and 110 years were cut-up to expose the origin, termination and important landmarks and were then photographed and measured. Measurements of different lengths of the popliteal artery were taken as follow: from the adductor hiatus to the lower border of the popliteal muscle (L1); from the adductor hiatus to the femoral condyle (L2); and from the femoral condyle to the point of termination (L3). L1 and L3 were higher in the left limb while L2 was higher in the right. The mean of L1, L2 and L3 were 14.86 ± 3.64, 9.12 ± 2.92, and 5.91 ± 1.72 respectively. L1, L2 and L3 of the left and right limbs and of both limbs of were compared with those obtained from similar studies across other countries. The outcome of this study would provide radiologists, vascular surgeons and knee orthopaedic surgeons with crucial information and estimated data for their routine clinical practices.