The posterior aspect of forty cadaver knees was dissected to determine
the proximal insertion of the popliteus tendon, particularly its
relationship to the lateral meniscus. Thirty-three (82.5 per cent) of the
specimens demonstrated no major attachment of the popliteus tendon to the
lateral meniscus. Eight specimens were from bilateral dissections and
revealed no major asymmetry. On the basis of these dissections, we found no
evidence that the popliteus tendon has a role in the retraction and
protection of the lateral meniscus.