Popliteal artery injuries associated with knee dislocation. (Three cases treated with successful outcome)

Knee dislocation is an uncommon lesion. It is, however, frequently associated with injury to surrounding structures. The possible coexistence of trauma of the popliteal artery is a serious threat to the limb's integrity. Its incidence is high (about one third of cases) and, unless speedily discovered and treated, it leads to limb loss. Three cases of knee dislocation with combined injury to the popliteal artery successfully underwent surgery. On the basis of such experience, the authors survey the questions of vascular reconstructive surgery that still remain open: in particular, the delay in diagnosis, when and if to use angiography, the type of vascular reconstruction, the maximum delay in revascularization.