Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Predicting Amputation using Local Circulating Mononuclear Progenitor Cells in Angioplasty-treated Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia
Published on: September 22, 2020
Predictors for limb amputation in war vascular trauma: A 20-years retrospective analysis from the Colombian armed
Ana Maria García1, Jorge Gutiérrez2, Edwin Villamil1
1Department of Surgery, Hospital Militar Central, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia.
Background:
The Latin American military vascular trauma is virtually unknown. The aim of this study was to describe severe war vascular trauma during the last 20 years of the Colombian armed conflict, and to identify predictors of limb amputation.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of a follow-up cohort from 1999 to 2019 of patients with associated severe vascular injuries (ISS >15) in the Colombian armed conflict treated at the Hospital Militar Central.
Results:
Out of 5948 patients, 243 had military vascular trauma with 430 vascular injuries. The most frequent trauma mechanisms were gunshot wounds (n = 153; 63%). The most common injured vessels were femoral. 24 (10%) patients required amputations. Mortality was 4.1%. Amputation was associated with arteriovenous lesions (RR 4.82, p = 0.025), compartment syndrome (RR 4.2, p = 0.007), arteriovenous femoropopliteal injuries (RR 3.5, p = 0.0026), multiple arterial injuries (RR 3.35, p = 0.0218), associated fractures (RR 3.1, p = 0.0032).
Conclusions:
Concomitant arteriovenous injuries in popliteal and femoropopliteal lesions, multiple arterial lesions, bone fractures, and compartment syndrome are associated with amputation in severe vascular injury.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Arteries of Lower Limbs
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Veins of Lower Limbs
Formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, the posterior tibial vein, rising through the calf muscle, assimilates the fibular vein. The anterior tibial vein, a superior extension of the foot's dorsalis pedis vein, merges with the posterior tibial vein at the...

