[Traumatic thrombosis of the peripheral arteries]

Ten cases of post-traumatic arterial thrombosis are described. The anatomopathological, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects of peripheral artery lesions of this type are examined. Surgical exploration followed by reconstruction are dictated by the presence and degree of seriousness of ischaemia; they are not subordinate to arteriography, itself not always necessary. Resection of the confused segment and reconstruction is the management of choice. Thrombectomy and thromboendarteriectomy cannot be considered as rational operations, even though they can be used in a few special cases, such as iatrogenic forms. Reconstruction is best achieved by direct anastomosis or with the aid of venous grafts. A prosthesis, on the other hand, is liable to produce less satisfactory long-term results.