Infrapopliteal arterial injury: prompt revascularization affords optimal limb salvage

Sixty-nine limbs with infrapopliteal arterial injuries were evaluated in 68 patients. Thirty-five (50%) cases were complicated by acute limb-threatening ischemia. Management consisted of revascularization (26 limbs), ligation (15 limbs), fasciotomy only (2 limbs), observation (18 limbs), and primary amputation (8 limbs). Penetrating injuries (n = 35) had a 33% incidence of ischemia and a reduced frequency of associated injury. One delayed amputation (3%) was required. In contrast, blunt injuries (n = 34) had a 68% incidence of ischemia and a greater frequency of associated injury. There were 20 amputations in the blunt group, including eight primary amputations performed in limbs with profound ischemia, complex open fractures, severe soft-tissue damage, and neural injury. Observation or ligation of single arterial injuries resulted in no early amputations. Associated local injuries in both groups included fracture or ligamentous disruption (64%), severe soft-tissue damage (32%), and nerve dysfunction (36%). In both groups, 15 of 35 ischemic limbs were salvaged by prompt revascularization (11 penetrating and four blunt injuries). Aggressive revascularization with autogenous repair or bypass is recommended for management of penetrating trauma. Though a good outcome will be achieved in some patients with combined blunt trauma and infrapopliteal arterial injury, the probability of delayed amputation and prolonged disability must be consciously integrated into the decision to pursue limb salvage. The prognosis for blunt injury complicated by arterial ischemia is poor; thus the severity of associated local and remote injuries will affect the results of revascularization program.