What is the function of the popliteus muscle?

Despite its small size, the popliteus is a major stabilizer of the knee. The popliteus is involved in both the closed chain phase and open-chain phase of the gait cycle. During the closed chain phase, which is when the foot is in contact with the ground, the muscle externally rotates the femur on the tibia.

How do you activate the popliteus muscle?

Place one foot on top of a small raised platform. Keeping the raised leg slightly bent at the knee, step forward with the opposite leg. Next, step backwards, then to the right and left of the foot planted on the step. Repeat this motion for 20 to 25 repetitions.

What is popliteal anatomy?

The Popliteal Fossa is a diamond-shaped space behind the knee joint. It is formed between the muscles in the posterior compartments of the thigh and leg. This anatomical landmark is the major route by which structures pass between the thigh and leg.

Which muscle is responsible for unlocking the knee?

Popliteus
Popliteus is often referred to as the “Key” to unlocking the knee since it begins knee flexion by laterally rotating the femur on the tibia.

What is the function of the Arcuate and popliteal ligaments of the knee?

The arcuate popliteal ligament reinforces the posterolateral part of the joint capsule, and together with the oblique popliteal ligament, prevents overextension of the knee joint.

How do you test a popliteus muscle?

To test the popliteus, the patient can be placed on his back on the table with the knee in a 90 degree flexion and the foot in dorsiflexion. To test the popliteus, the therapist then has to going push the foot and underleg externally while the patient has to maintain his position.

Why is the popliteal fossa important?

The popliteal fossa is a diamond-shaped depression located posterior to the knee joint. Important nerves and vessels pass from the thigh to the leg by traversing through this fossa. These include the two terminal branches of the sciatic nerve, the popliteal vessels and short saphenous vein.

What is popliteal fascia?

The popliteal fascia was defined as the single aponeurotic sheet covering the popliteal fossa. We found that the fascia acted as a three-layered retinaculum for the flexor muscles of the thigh and provided a secure route for neurovascular structures to the lower leg in any kinetic position of the knee joint.

What is the primary action of popliteus?

The popliteus muscle assists in knee flexion and its function is decided according to the position of the lower extremity, i.e. weight-bearing or non weight-bearing, as it is a primary internal rotator of the tibia in a non weight-bearing position.