Popliteal Artery Trauma: Update and Recent Advances in Management

Abstract

Management of vascular trauma has been standardized in the past two decades with a significant increase in limb salvage, but trauma to the popliteal artery still remains a challenge. A seven-year experience at San Bernardino County Medical Center was comprised of 20 popliteal artery injuries in 19 patients. Thirteen injuries (65%) were from blunt trauma, four injuries (20%) were from gunshot wounds, two injuries (10%) were from close-range shotgun blasts, and one (5%) was from a stab wound. Limb salvage was 100%. Liberal use of vein interposition grafts, routine intraoperative postreconstructive arteriogram, recognition of compartmental hypertension, and performance of fasciotomy were important steps taken to ensure a high limb salvage rate. Our standard technique at this time consists of repair of the artery with simultaneous repair of the dislocated knee and internal fixation of fractures.