Variations in the Termination of the Popliteal Artery: A Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)-Based Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Comprehension of the intrucate anatomy and variations in the termination of the popliteal artery (PA) is increasingly essential for endovascular interventionists, plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons, due to the rise in procedures like embolectomy, vascular grafting, free fibular flap surgery, and high-tibial osteotomy. Few studies from India have reported on the variant anatomy of PA termination, and none have used 128-slice tomography. This study aimed to observe the terminal branching pattern of the PA and the morphology of its terminal branches using 128-slice computed tomography angiography (CTA) and to analyze its relation to gender and laterality. Methodology: A retrospective review of CTA images of 181 lower extremities from 100 patients (137 males and 44 females), aged five to 75 years, was conducted. Results: The usual type I-A pattern was found in 75.69% of cases, while 24.31% exhibited variant patterns. Type III was the most common variation observed (19.34%), with type III-A being the most prevalent (11.05%). Types II-B and II-C were not observed. Among 84 bilaterally examined cases, 19.05% had unilateral variations and 15.48% had bilateral variations, with 8.33% showing bilaterally similar variations and 7.14% dissimilar variations. No significant difference in branching patterns was found between genders or sides. The mean length of the tibial-peroneal trunk (TPT) in the type I-A pattern was 3.00 ± 0.99 cm (right side: 3.21 ± 1.02 cm; left side: 2.82 ± 0.93 cm; males: 2.9 ± 1.00 cm; females: 3.37 ± 0.85 cm), with statistically significant differences between sides and genders. In the type II-A pattern, the mean TPT length was 7.16 ± 3.75 cm. An exceptionally long TPT (12.97 cm) was noted in one case of the III-B pattern. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of variation in the termination pattern of the PA. Knowledge of these variations is crucial for any interventions in this region to avoid postoperative vascular complications and reduce patient suffering.