Popliteal Artery Trauma

Injury to the popliteal artery is the most common cause of amputation in injured extremities. A six-year experience (1974-1979) at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, involved 31 popliteal artery injuries without amputation. Penetrating trauma was the most frequent cause of injury; however, a considerable number of blunt trauma injuries with fractures and dislocations were also present. Prolonged ischemic time was not a deterrent to successful vascular reconstruction. The recognition of compartmental hypertension and performance of fasciotomy before vascular repair were credited as major factors in our success. The use of interposition saphenous vein graft in the arterial reconstruction, repair of concomitant popliteal vein injuries, initial bone fixation of fractures with external fixators, and the performance of intraoperative arteriography were all important steps taken to ensure a 100% limb salvage.