Vascular injuries near the knee: an updated series and overview of the problem

Injury of the popliteal artery results in amputation more often than any other arterial injury. Adjacent injuries, small vessel thrombosis, and muscle necrosis are the major deterrents to limb salvage. This report updates a previously published series, expanded to include 110 injuries treated during a 14-year period. Emphasis is placed on the management of adjacent injuries, errors promoting amputation, and principles of improving limb survival. The hallmark of success is the rapid and complete restoration of arterial and venous flow.