J Korean Soc Microsurg.  2008 May;17(1):7-13.

Revascularization of Popliteal Artery Injury in Trauma Around Knee Joint

• Han SH
• Shin DE
• Dan JM
• Kim C

Abstract

Popliteal artery injury in blunt trauma of knee joint is not common but poses high rate of amputation due to anatomical characteristics or delayed diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the present study is to review the authors' experiences with this condition and identify factors contributing to disability. We reviewed 7 cases of popliteal artery injury in trauma around knee. Injury mechanism, type of vessel damage, associated injuries, mangled extremity severity scores (MESS), ischemic time and additional treatments were analyzed. Tibial fracture, distal femoral fracture and serious soft tissue defect were combined. Mean MESS was 9.9 point and mean time of revascularization was 7.1 hours. Transfemoral amputation was performed in 2 cases due to vascular insufficiency and devastating infection, and 4 patients were able to walk without any support at the last follow up. Age, the severity of soft tissue injury, ischemic time and MESS are thought to be related to prognosis, and young patients with short ischemic time show best results, but authors experienced one exceptional case. We have to consider multiple factors related to the prognosis in popliteal artery injury with fractures around knee, and careful decision is needed regarding to early amputation.

Keyword

Popliteal artery injury; Revascularization

MeSH Terms

Amputation
Delayed Diagnosis
Extremities
Femoral Fractures
Follow-Up Studies
Glycosaminoglycans
Humans
Knee
Knee Joint
Popliteal Artery
Prognosis
Soft Tissue Injuries
Tibial Fractures
Glycosaminoglycans