MRI measurement analysis of risk factors for popliteal artery injury in knee surgery

<b>Purpose:</b> Popliteal artery (PA) injury during knee surgery poses significant challenges for orthopedic surgeons. This study aims to determine the precise distance between the PA and anatomical landmarks of the knee joint and identify influencing factors using knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to establish targeted preventive measures for knee surgery based on the actual situation of the patient. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a retrospective analysis of knee MRI scans from 172 patients. Patients were categorized into two groups: the osteoarthritis group (Group A) and the non-osteoarthritis group (Group B). We measured the shortest distance from the PA to the posterior femoral condyle (PFC), posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM), posterior wall of the joint capsule (JC), and the posterior tibial cortex (PTC) located 10 mm below the articular surface on MRI axial views. And we also analyzed the effects of age, height, weight, BMI, and leg circumference on the aforementioned distances. <b>Results:</b> The four distances in Group A were significantly greater than those in Group B. Height and thigh circumference mainly correlated with distance from the PA to the posterior femoral condyle. Height and weight mainly correlated with distance from the PA to posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Weight, BMI, and calf circumference mainly correlated with distance from PA to posterior tibial cortex. <b>Conclusions:</b> The distance between the popliteal artery and the posterior bony landmarks of the knee joint increases in patients with osteoarthritis, higher stature, bigger weight, thicker leg circum ference and elderly patients, which maybe can reduce the risk of popliteal artery injury during surgical procedures.