[Traumatic lesions of the popliteal artery]

Even today, traumatic lesions of the popliteal artery mean in a large percentage of cases (from 25% to 45% according to recent reports) loss of the extremity, notwithstanding the considerable advances made by reconstructive vascular surgery. The most important series are reported in relation to events of war in the past (Korea, Vietnam) and more recently. As for lesions in everyday life, the highest percentage is the result of road and particularly motorbike accidents. A review of the most recent literature shows that the prognosis for lesions of the proximal and middle segment of the popliteal artery is greatly improved while in lesions of the distal portion and particularly the trifurcation, the percentage of failure with consequent amputation is still very high (from 30% to 40% of cases). Here personal experience of 6 cases of lesions of the popliteal artery due to osteovascular trauma observed in the past two years is reported, the diagnostic procedures and therapeutic treatment adopted being discussed.