Yonsei Med J.  2010 Sep;51(5):790-792. 10.3349/ymj.2010.51.5.790.

Vascular Injury Associated with Blunt Trauma without Dislocation of the Knee

• Kim JW
• Sung CM
• Cho SH
• Hwang SC

• KMID: 1071436
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2010.51.5.790

Abstract

Failure to recognize popliteal artery injury and restore vessel continuity of flow after blunt trauma is a major cause of lower extremity amputation and morbidity. A high index of suspicion and early recognition of the injury are paramount for limb salvage. We experienced a rare case of poplitial artery occlusion with the presence of arterial pulses due to collateral circulation after blunt trauma. Expeditious revascularization was achieved by using posterior approach, allowing two surgical teams to work simultaneously. This case illustrates that, even in the absence of knee dislocation, surgeons must always consider the possibility of a popliteal artery damage whenever a blunt trauma near the knee.

Keyword

Popliteal artery injury; blunt trauma; revascularization

MeSH Terms

Adult
Female
Humans
Knee Dislocation
*Knee Injuries/complications/surgery
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Popliteal Artery/*injuries/surgery
Treatment Outcome

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) MRI showed bicruciate ligament injury and mild occlusion of popliteal artery at the knee level (B) CT arteriography showing occlusion of the popliteal artery. Note the no extravasation of dye.

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  Fig. 2 (A) To acquire stability of the knee joint , posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction with a achilles tendon allograft by inlay technique was performed. (B) Follow up CT angiography was performed one week after surgery and showed satisfactory artrial flow.

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  Fig. 3 One year later follow up, (A) doppler examination of the vessel flow revealed normal popliteal flow with a normal brachial/tibial index and (B) CT angiograph showed maintenance of normal flow.

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