Civilian vascular trauma: an experience of 54 cases

Fifty-four patients with civilian vascular injuries of the extremities caused by blunt trauma in 41 patients and by penetrating trauma in 13 patients were evaluated. Twenty-nine patients (53.7%) had associated fractures/dislocations and 19 sustained concomitant venous injuries. Twenty-nine patients (53.7%) came with a lagging period of more than 12 hours. Vascular injuries were diagnosed both clinically and by Doppler examination. In patients with equivocal findings, arteriography was performed. Arterial repair was done in 19 patients and saphenous vein interposition grafting was done in 2 patients. Fifteen patients required fasciotomy. Amputation was done in 13 patients (24.07%). It is concluded that the time lag, incorrect and incomplete assessment, and the reluctance to perform fasciotomy early and completely are some of the factors responsible for poor results.