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Popliteal artery injuries: the Kashmir experience
Abdul Majeed Dar1, Abdul Gani Ahanger, Rauf Ahmad Wani
1Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar, Jamma, India. raufw64@hotmail.com
The Journal of Trauma
|August 13, 2003
Summary
Popliteal artery injuries significantly increase amputation risk, especially with bone fractures or delayed repair. Prompt resuscitation and vascularization are key to improving limb salvage rates.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Popliteal artery injuries are a critical threat to limb viability.
- Blunt trauma is linked to higher amputation rates than penetrating trauma due to injury severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze outcomes of popliteal artery injuries.
- To identify factors influencing limb salvage and amputation risk.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 272 popliteal artery injury cases (1989-2001).
- Analysis of amputation rates based on injury cause, associated injuries (venous, bone fracture), and timing of repair.
- Preoperative angiography was not utilized.
Main Results:
- Overall morbidity was 55%, with infection being the most common complication (24%).
- Secondary amputation rate was 5.5% (16 patients).
- Associated bone fracture and repair delay (>12 hours) significantly increased amputation risk (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Prompt resuscitation, vascularization, and surgical technique are crucial for limb salvage.
- Timely intervention is paramount in managing popliteal artery injuries.