A Clinical Study of Popliteal Artery Injury

Kim, Sang Soo; Kim, Ju O; Park, Bong Joo; Lee, Min Jong

Abstract

With the increase of motor accident, the rate of popliteal artery injury is increased, As the injuries are critical, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can save the limb. 27 cases of popliteal artery injury patients were reviewed and the result was as follows ; l. Amputation rate was 11%, as 3 out of 27 cases failed. There was no correlation between ischemic time and the rate of amputation. 2. Complete resection of all injured portion of vessel and reconstruction of patency through interposed saphenous vein graft was often indicated to avoid tension at the anastomosis site. 3. The rate of fasciotomy was positively correlated with the ischemic time. 4. Medial approach is preferred to posterior approach, since it makes proximal extension of exploration possible, and decrease the incidence of joint contracture. 5. Complications noted are wound infection, systemic sepsis and venous stasis, but they could be treated with proper management. However, nerve deficit due to associated nerve injuries was resist to treatment.