Isolated rupture of the popliteus tendon in a professional soccer player.

We report an unusual case of an isolated intra-substance rupture of the popliteus tendon in a professional soccer player. The injury, sustained in a soccer tackle, was diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging and subsequently confirmed on arthroscopic examination of the knee. The impinging proximal stump was debrided and the patient returned to playing competitive soccer within 6 weeks of surgery.