Moore describes the popliteal artery as the continuation of the femoral artery. It originates in the adductor hiatus and passes inferolaterally through the space occupied by the fat of the popliteal fossa. At the inferior border of the popliteus muscle the popliteal artery divides into two branches, the anterior and posterior tibial artery.

Popliteal artery entrapment is described in the literature as being due to external compression of the popliteal artery by a congenital anomalous relationship to the gastrocnemius muscle. Entrapment of the artery occurs when the popliteal artery courses medially as a variant, and enters into a confined space between the medial condyle of the femur and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. This entrapment may also occur by way of an accessory muscle situated between the medial femoral condylus to the medial gastrocnemius muscle.

Caif contraction as well as repeated (impressions of the popliteal artery against the underlying aspect of the femur may further cause compression of the artery. Complications associated with repeated trauma of the area may lead ultimately to arterial wall damage with or without a thrombotic event.