Blunt vascular trauma

Vascular Injury in Orthopedic Trauma

Vascular injury in orthopedic trauma is challenging. The risk to life and limb can be high, and clinical signs initially can be subtle. Recognition and management should be a critical skill for every orthopedic surgeon. There are 5 types of vascular injury: intimal injury (flaps, disruptions, or subintimal/intramural hematomas), complete wall defects with pseudoaneurysms or hemorrhage, complete transections with hemorrhage or occlusion, arteriovenous fistulas, and spasm. Intimal defects and subintimal hematomas with possible secondary occlusion are most commonly associated with blunt trauma, whereas wall defects, complete transections, and arteriovenous fistulas usually occur with penetrating trauma. Spasm can occur after either blunt or penetrating trauma to an extremity and is more common in young patients. Clinical presentation of vascular injury may not be straightforward. Physical examination can be misleading or initially unimpressive; a normal pulse examination may be present in 5% to 15% of patients with vascular injury. Detection and treatment of vascular injuries should take place within the context of the overall resuscitation of the patient according to the established principles of the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols. Advances in the field, made mostly during times of war, have made limb salvage the rule rather than the exception. Teamwork, familiarity with the often subtle signs of vascular injuries, a high index of suspicion, effective communication, appropriate use of imaging modalities, sound knowledge of relevant technique, and sequence of surgical repairs are among the essential factors that will lead to a successful outcome. This article provides a comprehensive literature review on a subject that generates significant controversy and confusion among clinicians involved in the care of trauma patients. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):249-259.].

Blunt Injury to the External Iliac Artery: A Case Report

Blunt vascular trauma is rare as compared with penetrating vascular trauma. The incidence of iliac artery injury has been reported as low as 0.4 per cent of total arterial trauma. Iliac artery injury in blunt trauma is rare because of its anatomic location and protection by the pelvis. This article presents a case of external iliac artery injury secondary to blunt trauma. A deceleration-type mechanism is suggested that results in the production of an intimal flap and later vessel thrombosis. We discuss the clinical details of presentation and angiographic diagnosis as well as treatment options.

Use of active shunt for surgical repair of intrapericardial inferior vena caval injury

We report a case of intrapericardial inferior vena caval disruption due to goring by a bull, and we describe the surgical repair of this uncommon penetrating cardiac injury. Review of the literature indicates that, as with other penetrating cardiac injuries, this rare lesion requires aggressive treatment involving an emergency thoracotomy. The use of an atrial caval active shunt was necessary for successful surgical management, and therefore we conclude that surgical treatment of this lesion is comparable with surgical repair of hepatic veins and retrohepatic vena caval injuries incurred during blunt vascular trauma or penetrating abdominal injuries.