Popliteal Artery Injury Associated with Severe Knee Trauma

Yoo, Myung Chul; Ahn, Jea Whan; Kim, Bong Kun; Jang, Seong Geun; Cho, Il Hyung

Abstract

Fracture dislocation or dislocation of the knee can produce a popliteal artery injury that may be difficult to evaluate clinically. Diagnosis of disruption or thrombosis of the popliteal artery is frequently delayed until the opportunity to salvage the extremity is lost. 22 cases of popliteal artery injury were reviewed from July 1978 to December 1983, associated with severe knee trauma at the Orthopaedic department of Kyung Hee University Hospital, of whom average follow-up for about 52 months. The results obtained were as follows; 1. In all 22 cases, 14 cases (63. 6%) were amputated. The amputation rate was correlated with ischemic time after injury. 2. Resection of all injuried vessels with reconstitution of continuity by the use of an interposed saphenous vein graft is often warrented to avoid tension. 3. All 8 patients, which was managed conservatively, were amputated in all cases(100%). In cases of suspicious popliteal artery injury, early aggressive exploration and obvious microvascular reconstruction should be mandatory. 4. Subperiosteal fibulectomy-fasciotomy should be done routinely immediately after vascular injury. 5. Diagnosis of popliteal artery injury was based on the clinical findings but the capillary filling was not contributary. 6. The use of Doppler flowmeter and emergency arteriography was recognizedtobeanexcellent methods in determination of arterial injury.