In severe cases, PAES can cause permanent damage to the muscles because the pathogenesis and progression of functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) are uncertain.1
Surgery is the key technique to correct the entrapped muscles and to ease pain in patients suffering from popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.2,3
Most patients start walking the same day after surgery and they can go back home after a couple of days.4
Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is an unrecognized cause of external leg pain and has an increased risk of misdiagnosis and mismanagement.
However, when an appropriate diagnosis is made, your health care provider may suggest several treatment strategies that are widely available. The treatment strategy often depends on the clinical presentation, the severity of the condition, and the underlying anatomic abnormalities.1
What Is The Best Treatment For Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome?
Abnormalities in popliteal artery entrapment syndrome are monitored through duplex ultrasound and conventional therapies. When recurrent symptoms are noticed, your surgeon may suggest for either of the two options
Surgery – Surgery is believed to be the lone treatment of functional popliteal entrapment disorder that necessitates the specialists to relieve the constriction of the entrapped artery thereby easing pain and providing comfort. The untreated condition causes ischemia of limb tissues with increased frequency of limb amputation. In the worst cases, distal embolism with mortality is noticed in these patients.
- To get the best form of treatment, the patient is advised to get admitted a day before the actual surgery is scheduled. Surgery is performed for the constricted arteries and to correct the problem. Studies show that there are several successful long-term outcomes following surgery.
- A study was conducted on popliteal artery entrapment syndrome patients during Jan 2003 and Dec 2009 who underwent surgery and their surgical management were recorded. The mean age of these patients was 35 years of age and their symptoms were monitored through duplex ultrasonography, computed tomography, conventional angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
- The long-term outcome of surgical procedures shows there is a significant success in relieving the leg pain and considered to be satisfactory. Most patients started walking the same day after surgery and they went back home after a couple of days
Botulinum Toxin (Botox BTX-A) Injection Therapy – Botox injection procedure is believed to be the best form of treatment for muscle spasticity especially in sports athletes and young adults. They are successful in treating sacral plexus and muscle constriction. They are primarily used for the following
- Muscular slip of the muscle is liable for active arterial occlusion and botox is injected to paralyze the muscles that send signals
- Botulinum neurotoxins concentrate the majority of the muscle fiber that has added lipid deposition and causes significant changes. This, in turn, creates space for the vessel and enables the medication to perform better.2,3
Endovascular Approach- Endovascular intervention for popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is generally carried out before the surgical procedure. All endovascular treatments are typically performed with the aid of local anesthetics co-ordinated with intravenous sedation. Lately, this technique has gained widespread possibility due to the ease of approach and effective recovery percentage. Endovascular Treatment boosted constructive results by 25% and lowered the mortality ratio by 50% from chronic ischemic strokes.4
However certain studies reveal that stent can be the best form of treatment for a popliteal aneurysm in high-risk patients. Metallic stents are commonly used to treat vascular disease however a stent placement is not durable or successful. Several experts suggest that stent placement can add more complication and delay recovery time.
- “Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 July 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/popliteal-artery-entrapment/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20465225.
- Morris, Shaun. “Conditions We Treat: Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES): Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute.” Conditions We Treat: Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) | Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute, 22 Mar. 2015, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heart_vascular_institute/conditions_treatments/conditions/popliteal_artery_entrapment_syndrome.html.
- “Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES).” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17375-popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome-paes.
- “Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome Symptoms & Treatment: UPMC.” UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, www.upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/conditions-treatments/popliteal-artery-entrapment-syndrome.
