Current RMA Instruments
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 54 of 2017 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 55 of 2017 |
SOP bulletin information on new SOP
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Codes: 447.8.
- ICD-10-AM Codes: I77.89.
Brief description
This condition involves intermittent obstruction to blood flow in the popliteal artery at the back of the knee (popliteal fossa). It manifests as lower leg pain arising from activities that involve repeated flexion of the calf muscles. There may also be involvement of the popliteal vein or tibial nerve. It may arise due to a developmental defect and/or muscle enlargement due to exercise.
Confirming the diagnosis
This diagnosis may be suspected on clinical grounds, but requires confirmation by appropriate clinical imaging studies (incl. ultrasound, angiography) that show partial or complete occlusion of the popliteal artery during plantar flexion.
The relevant medical specialist is an orthopaedic surgeon or vascular surgeon.
Additional diagnoses that may be covered by SOP
popliteal artery entrapment syndrome
Conditions that are excluded from SOP
- Shin splints*
- Atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease*
* another SOP applies
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is usually under the age of 30. The condition presents with ischaemic symptoms in the calf with exercise, similar to a compartment syndrome.
Clinical worsening
Clinical worsening may be evidenced by an increase in ischaemic manifestations or the development of arterial dilatation or aneurysm in the popliteal fossa. Surgical treatment may be required and is usually effective.