[Extrinsic compression of the popliteal artery (author's transl)].

Popliteal artery compression may be due to trapping of the artery, a tumor, or a subadventricial cyst. Diagnosis is suggested by the discovery of ischemia in a subject who is often young, this being an unusual finding. It is confirmed by dynamic doppler tests, ultrasonography, and vascular opacification. Eight cases of trapped popliteal, three of osteochondroma, and seven cases due to cysts were observed. Surgical treatment is regularly effective and can prevent complications of embolism and acute thrombosis.