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Arterial injuries associated with lower-extremity fractures
V Andrikopoulos1, I Antoniou, P Panoussis
1Department of Vascular Surgery, KAT-Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Cardiovascular Surgery (London, England)
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Vascular surgery successfully salvaged limbs in 93% of patients with lower extremity arterial injuries from fractures. Neglected popliteal/infrapopliteal injuries with muscle loss led to amputations.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Arterial injuries of the lower extremities often accompany bone fractures.
- These injuries pose a significant risk of limb loss if not managed promptly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review outcomes of patients with lower extremity arterial injuries associated with fractures.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different surgical interventions for limb salvage.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 110 patient records managed at a vascular surgery clinic.
- Analysis of injury types (blunt vs. penetrating) and treatment modalities (saphenous vein grafts, composite grafts, PTFE grafts).
Main Results:
- A limb salvage rate of 93% was achieved.
- Saphenous vein interposition grafting was the most common treatment (92 patients).
- All eight amputations occurred in neglected cases with popliteal/infrapopliteal injuries and muscle loss.
Conclusions:
- Vascular surgical intervention is highly effective in salvaging limbs with arterial injuries associated with fractures.
- Timely management and appropriate grafting techniques are crucial for successful limb salvage.
- Neglected injuries, particularly at the popliteal or infrapopliteal level with associated muscle loss, portend a poor prognosis.