Ruptured Anterior Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysm following Ilizarov External Fixator: A Case Report

Genuine infrapopliteal aneurysms are quite rare, in contrast to pseudoaneurysms. The aetiology of pseudoaneurysms related to external fixation is attributed to various theories, including direct vascular damage due to misplaced pins or wires, overshooting or misguidance during osteotomy, distraction at the corticotomy site during an Ilizarov procedure, and continuous abrasion of the vessel caused by a wire inserted in close proximity to an artery. Arteriography proves valuable in documenting lesions and assessing deeper pseudoaneurysms, particularly when contemplating reconstruction; it plays a crucial role in guiding management decisions. For significant tears and symptomatic aneurysms, resection and reconstruction are the gold standard treatment.