The Order of Operative Repair Does Not Influence Outcomes in Patients with Concomitant Popliteal Artery and Orthopedic Injuries

BACKGROUND

The most challenging lower extremity traumatic injuries involve concomitant vascular and orthopedic injuries with amputation rates approaching 50%. Controversy exists as to how to prioritize the vascular and orthopedic repairs. We reviewed patients with popliteal artery and lower extremity orthopedic injuries to analyze the sequence of the vascular and orthopedic repairs on outcomes.

METHODS

All adult patients with a diagnosis of concomitant popliteal artery and lower extremity fracture or dislocation were identified through a review of an institutional trauma registry performed at a level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2019. Patient demographics, timing of presentation, injury severity score (ISS), surgical interventions, and limb outcome data were collected and examined. The sequence of operative repairs and factors influencing the operative order were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were treated for popliteal artery injuries. Twelve of these 29 patients had concomitant popliteal artery and orthopedic fractures requiring surgical repair. Injury mechanisms included both blunt (50%, 6/12) and penetrating trauma (50%, 6/12); the majority involved femur fractures (58%, 7/12). Vascular repair included arterial bypass (75%, 9/12) or interposition grafts (25%, 3/12). Orthopedic repair included external fixation (83%, 10/12) and open reduction internal fixation (17%, 2/12). Vascular repair was performed first in 7/12 limbs (58%). Patients having vascular repair first had a trend toward lower blood pressure on arrival (P = 0.068). There was no significant difference in emergency department to operating room (OR) time, OR time, ISS, mangled extremity severity score, estimated blood loss, or blood transfusion for the sequence of operative repair. Fasciotomy was nearly ubiquitous, present in 11/12 patients (92%). There were no graft complications related to orthopedic manipulation, and there were no reported limb-length to graft-length discrepancies. Early limb salvage trended lower in the cohort with revascularization first (71% vs. 100%, P = 0.19). Of the remaining limbs available for follow-up, limb salvage at 4.25 years is 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this small study of patients with concomitant lower extremity popliteal artery and orthopedic injuries, the order of operative repair does not appear to influence the success of revascularization.

Cross-Limb Vascular Shunting for Traumatic Popliteal Artery Injury

BACKGROUND

Popliteal artery injury (PAI) is a challenging trauma that requires prompt and accurate treatment since the probability of lower-limb amputation increases with the ischemic time. Intravascular shunting and cross-limb vascular shunting (CLS) are used as temporary vascular shunting (TVS) methods to shorten the ischemic time for limb vascular injury. CLS involves sending blood from an artery in a healthy body part to a peripheral vessel in an injured part to immediately resume blood flow to the injured limb. For closed injuries including PAI, CLS may be performed without exploring and identifying the arterial stumps and it enables early reperfusion to the ischemic limb. We report the case series of traumatic PAI treated using CLS and verify the usefulness of CLS.

METHODS

All patients with traumatic PAI treated with CLS at our institution between August 2013 and December 2021 were included. Demographic and clinical patient characteristics were extracted from the medical records. Comorbid injuries, severity of acute limb ischemia based on the Rutherford grading scale, time from injury to reperfusion by CLS, time from injury to completion of artery, and the use of fasciotomy were investigated. As outcomes, we investigated the presence or absence of lower extremity amputation during the course of treatment.

RESULTS

We used CLS as treatment for 5 cases with traumatic PAI. Based on the Rutherford grading scale for acute limb ischemia, there were one limb with grade 2B and 4 with grade 3. Amputation of the lower extremities was avoided except for 1 extremity in which arterial reconstruction was not achieved due to unexplained cardiac arrest during surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

CLS enables early reperfusion of the injured limb and is effective as a TVS method for traumatic PAI with severe ischemia or soft tissue damage.

Reduced Time to Surgery and Prophylactic Fasciotomy May Result in Improved Outcomes in Popliteal Artery Injuries

BACKGROUND

Popliteal artery injuries are uncommon and often result in limb loss or long-term limb dysfunction. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the association between predictors and outcomes and (2) to validate the rational of systematic early fasciotomy.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 122 patients (80% men, n = 100) who underwent surgery for popliteal artery injuries from October 2018 to March 2021 in southern Vietnam. Primary outcomes included primary and secondary amputation. The associations between predictors and primary amputation were analyzed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Among the 122 patients, 11 (9%) underwent primary amputation, while 2 (1.6%) had secondary amputation. Longer time to surgery was associated with increased odds of amputation (odds ratio = 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 2.2 for every 6 hr). Severe limb ischemia was also associated with a 50-fold increase in the risk of primary amputation (adjusted odds ratio = 49.9; 95% confidence interval, 6 to 418, P = 0.001). Furthermore, 11 patients (9%) without signs of severe limb ischemia and acute compartment syndrome on admission were found to have myonecrosis of at least one muscle compartment during fasciotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that among patients with popliteal artery injuries, prolonged time before surgery and severe limb ischemia are associated with increased risk of primary amputation, whereas early fasciotomy may lead to improved outcomes.

Delayed Presentation of Popliteal Artery Laceration Mimicking Baker Cyst After Arthroscopic Meniscectomy: A Case Report

CASE

We report a case of delayed presentation of popliteal artery laceration after arthroscopic meniscectomy. Three weeks after the procedure, the patient developed severe calf pain, swelling over the popliteal fossa, and foot drop, despite a normal initial postoperative period. Clinical examination and radiological investigations suggested a massive hematoma in the popliteal fossa. A decision was made to explore the popliteal artery and drain the hematoma after consultation with the vascular surgeon. A laceration was noted, and it was repaired.

CONCLUSION

Orthopaedic surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion regarding the possibility of this postoperative complication, especially after an arthroscopic meniscectomy.

Outcomes of traumatic extremity vascular injuries from a Malaysian level 1 trauma center

BACKGROUND

In Malaysia, management of traumatic vascular injuries is at the discretion of the treating surgeon (trauma or vascular surgery). This study was conducted to report on the epidemiology, mechanism of injury and outcomes of vascular injuries managed in a regional level 1 trauma center.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients treated for traumatic extremity vascular injuries from January 2018 to December 2020. Demography, mechanism of injury, pre-operative physiologic vital signs, vessel injured, injury severity (NISS, RTS and TRISS score), type of revascularization surgery, fasciotomy, post-operative blood investigations, operative outcomes (amputation, length of stay and ICU admission) and long-term rehabilitation follow-up were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Amongst the 35 recorded vascular injuries only 28 patients had adequate data that were included in the analysis. Majority of patients were males (23/28patients; 82%). Blunt injury to vessels was more likely in motorcycle crashes (16/28patients; 76%) than in automobile crashes (5/28patients; 24%). There were three lower limb amputees (3/3patients; 100%) that had early fasciotomy and were associated with three-fold higher post-operative median (interquartile range) CK levels of 16740 (8157 to 23116) u/l. Only two thirds (16/28 patients) had active rehabilitation follow-up and were back to work after a median duration of four months.

CONCLUSION

Male gender, blunt injury, road traffic crashes and motorcycles were the majority of vascular injuries. Lower limb vascular injuries had poorer outcome with three amputations performed after attempts at revascularization. Fasciotomy and high CK level may be related to higher risk of limb loss. Our study highlights the importance of rehabilitation and long-term follow-up in this cohort of patients.

The Role of Endovascular Repair of Popliteal Arterial Injuries in the Acute Setting

OBJECTIVES

The role of endovascular surgery in the treatment of popliteal arterial injuries is not well established. As with other popliteal pathology, open repair has traditionally been considered the gold standard. As data has accumulated and technology advanced, however, a reassessment of the role of endovascular surgery is warranted. The aim of this study is to perform a noninferiority comparison of open versus endovascular management of traumatic popliteal injuries. Our hypothesis is that endovascular management is noninferior to open management of traumatic popliteal injuries.

METHODS

The National Trauma Data Bank was searched for adult patients from 2002-2016 for isolated popliteal arterial injury. The study used a standard noninferiority methodology to compare rates of amputation and compartment syndrome between endovascular and open surgery. Margins for noninferiority were established using established published rates of complications: 17.1% for amputations and 23.0% for compartment syndrome. Endovascular intervention would be considered noninferior to open surgery if the lower bound confidence of the complication proportion (endo/open complication rate) was greater than the pre-defined noninferiority margin.

RESULTS

3698 patients met inclusion criteria, with blunt injury accounting for 2117 (57%) and penetrating injury accounting for 1581 (43%). Within the blunt group, 1976 (93.3%) underwent open and 141 (6.7%) endovascular surgery. The rate of compartment syndrome (percentage and 95% confidence interval) after surgery for open repair was 9.9 (8.6-11.2) and 6.4 (3.2-11.3) for endovascular repair. The complication proportion is 64.6 (59.7-69.5). The rate of amputation for open repair was 15.7 (14.2-17.4) and 14.2 (9.2-20.6) for endovascular repair. The complication proportion is 90.4 (87.4-93.4). Within the penetrating group, 1525 (96.5%) underwent open repair and 56 (3.5%) endovascular surgery. The rate of compartment syndrome after surgery for open repair was 14.9 (13.2-16.7) and 5.4 (1.5-13.6) for endovascular repair. The complication proportion is 36.2 (31.3-41.1). The rate of amputation for open repair was 4.3 (3.3-5.4) and 3.6 (0.7-11.0) for endovascular repair. The complication proportion is 83.7 (75.3-90.6).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that endovascular repair of popliteal artery injury may be noninferior to open repair with respect to limb preservation . Further examination of endovascular repair in popliteal artery injury is warranted.

Intralesional Infiltrations of Arteriosclerotic Tissue Cells-Free Filtrate Reproduce Vascular Pathology in Healthy Recipient Rats

Lower-extremity arterial disease is a major health problem with increasing prevalence, often leading to non-traumatic amputation, disability and mortality. The molecular mechanisms underpinning abnormal vascular wall remodeling are not fully understood. We hypothesized on the existence of a vascular tissue memory that may be transmitted through soluble signaling messengers, transferred from humans to healthy recipient animals, and consequently drive the recapitulation of arterial wall thickening and other vascular pathologies. We examined the effects of the intralesional infiltration for 6 days of arteriosclerotic popliteal artery-derived homogenates (100 µg of protein) into rats’ full-thickness wounds granulation tissue. Animals infiltrated with normal saline solution or healthy brachial arterial tissue homogenate obtained from traumatic amputation served as controls. The significant thickening of arteriolar walls was the constant outcome in two independent experiments for animals receiving arteriosclerotic tissue homogenates. This material induced other vascular morphological changes including an endothelial cell phenotypic reprogramming that mirrored the donor’s vascular histopathology. The immunohistochemical expression pattern of relevant vascular markers appeared to match between the human tissue and the corresponding recipient rats. These changes occurred within days of administration, and with no cross-species limitation. The identification of these “vascular disease drivers” may pave novel research avenues for atherosclerosis pathobiology.

Endovascular versus open repair of isolated superficial femoral and popliteal artery injuries

OBJECTIVE

Despite the increasing use of endovascular therapy for traumatic arterial injuries, little is known about the outcomes of endovascular repair of superficial femoral artery (SFA) and popliteal artery (PA) injuries. In the present study, we compared the characteristics and outcomes of endovascular vs open repair of traumatic SFA and PA injuries.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective National Trauma Data Bank analysis of trauma patients with a blunt or penetrating injury of the SFA and/or PA who had undergone endovascular or open repair from 2007 to 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare the outcomes, with propensity score matching used for sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The incidence of SFA and PA injuries was 0.2%, with an overall increase in the annual use of endovascular stent repair from 3.2% in 2007 to 7.6% in 2014 (P = .002). A total of 2,873 patients with an isolated SFA and/or PA injury were included in the present study, of whom 163 (5.7%) had undergone endovascular repair. SFA injuries were more frequently treated with endovascular repair (70% vs 27%) and PA injuries were more often associated with open repair (41.1% vs 54.7%). Open repair was more frequently associated with a concomitant femur fracture or knee dislocation (30.7% vs 38.8%; P = .039). Endovascular repair was not associated with worse in-hospital amputation-free survival (AFS) compared with open repair on univariate analysis (91.1% vs 89.7%; P = .573) or multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio [OR], 1.053; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.551-2.012; P = .876). Propensity score matching revealed that in-hospital mortality was higher (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.37-9.82; P = .01) and fasciotomy was lower (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.14-0.37; P < .001) in the endovascular repair group, with no significant differences in AFS (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.48-1.67; P = .65).

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular repair of SFA and PA injuries has in-hospital AFS comparable to that for open repair, supporting the increasing use of endovascular repair for traumatic SFA and PA injuries in appropriately selected cases. Given the unexpected finding of increased in-hospital mortality after endovascular repair, further studies are necessary to determine the appropriate patient selection and the durability of endovascular repair.

Avoiding Injury to the Popliteal Neurovascular Bundle in All-Inside Suturing of the Posterior Horn of the Lateral Meniscus: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Portal Selection and Safety

PURPOSE

We assessed the risk of injury to the popliteal neurovascular bundle (PNVB) while suturing the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM).

METHODS

We simulated all-inside suturing of the PHLM using magnetic resonance imaging of 60 knees. Lines were drawn from the medial and the lateral edges of the patellar tendon to the PHLM at increasing distances from the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) to simulate suturing device trajectory. Distance from each line to the PNVB was measured (d). A similar analysis was performed using lines drawn from 1 cm medial and 1 cm lateral to the patellar tendon. We compared the average "d" at increasing distances from the PCL, between the different simulated portal entry points. We have also analyzed the association between different demographic characteristics and the shortest distance from the PVNB to the PHLM.

RESULTS

Of 1200 measurements performed, the simulated suturing trajectory transected the PNVB 343 times (28.6%). At 0 mm from the PCL, the safest portal was the 1-cm lateral portal (P < .001), with an average "d" of 2.7 mm. At 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, and 12 mm from the PCL, the safest portal was the 1-cm medial portal (P < .001), with average "d" of 3.8 mm, 6.9 mm, 10.1 mm, and 13.5 mm, respectively. Average distance between the PHLM and the PNVB was 7.8 mm. Shorter distance between the PHLM and the PNVB was associated with younger age and female sex (P = .014 and .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

All-inside suturing of the PHLM at 0 mm from the PCL is safer with a more lateral portal. Beyond 3 mm from the PCL, a more medial portal carries a lower risk to the PNVB. Young and female patients have a shorter distance between the PHLM and the PNVB, suggesting a greater risk for injury to the PNVB. Careful preoperative magnetic resonance imaging assessment may assist in safer portal selection when planning repair of the PHLM.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study describes a magnetic resonance imaging-based risk assessment for injury of the PVNB while suturing the PHLM. It allows the orthopaedic surgeon a better understanding of the anatomic relationship between the popliteal neurovascular bundle and the lateral meniscus and can assist in portal selection and safety.

All-Inside Lateral Meniscal Repair via Anterolateral Portal Increases Risk of Vascular Injury: A Cadaveric Study

PURPOSE

To compare the distance from the device tip to the neurovascular structures during an all-inside medial and lateral meniscal repair using anteromedial and anterolateral portals in a fresh-frozen cadaveric study.

METHODS

Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were studied. The popliteal artery, popliteal vein, and tibial nerve were identified after dissection via a posterior approach. An all-inside meniscal repair device was set to a 20-mm depth limit and inserted into a fixed point in the posterior horn at the meniscocapsular junction. This was performed for medial and lateral menisci via anteromedial and anterolateral arthroscopic portals. The distances between the device tip and the neurovascular structures were measured. We performed t tests to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

The distance between the device and popliteal artery was significantly closer when aimed at the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus via the anterolateral portal (4.7 ± 2.3 mm) versus the anteromedial portal (13.0 ± 8.0 mm, P = .010). The distance to the popliteal vein was closer via the anterolateral portal (6.7 ± 2.9 mm) versus the anteromedial portal (13.9 ± 5.8 mm, P = .004). For medial meniscal repair, the distance to the popliteal artery was significantly closer via the anteromedial portal (12.8 ± 11.3 mm) versus the anterolateral portal (23.8 ± 7.7 mm, P = .022). The distance to the popliteal vein was closer via the anteromedial portal (16.5 ± 11.3 mm) versus the anterolateral portal (28.3 ± 8.2 mm, P = .017). No significant difference was found in the distance to the tibial nerve when aimed at either meniscus via either portal.

CONCLUSION

For all-inside meniscal repair, the popliteal vein is at risk and the popliteal artery is at high risk of injury when the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus is repaired via an anterolateral working portal.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The popliteal artery and vein are at risk of injury when the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus undergoes all-inside repair via the anterolateral portal. Surgeons need to be aware of the risks when performing this repair.

Through Thick or Thin: Disparities in Perioperative Anticoagulant Use in Trauma Patients

Although vascular surgery guidelines recommend immediate anticoagulation for acute occlusion of a peripheral artery, it is unclear whether trauma surgeons follow this practice. A survey regarding the use of perioperative anticoagulation was sent to surgeons who perform their own peripheral arterial repairs after traumatic injury to define contemporary practice patterns. This survey demonstrated minimal consensus opinion regarding the management of extremity vascular injuries, strongly suggesting the need for a consensus conference, meta-analysis, and prospective studies to guide further care.

Intravascular Ultrasound Assessment and Correlation With Angiographic Findings Demonstrating Femoropopliteal Arterial Dissections Post Atherectomy: Results From the iDissection Study

BACKGROUND

Dissections occur post atherectomy of the infrainguinal arteries. We hypothesized that angiography under-estimates their presence significantly.

METHODS

In this prospective pilot study, a total of 15 patients were evaluated by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) following treatment of femoropopliteal de novo or non-stent restenosis using atherectomy. Eagle Eye Platinum ST IVUS catheters (Philips) were used in this study. Thirteen Jetstream XC atherectomy devices (Boston Scientific) and 2 investigational B-laser atherectomy devices (Eximo Medical) were used. Cine and IVUS images were obtained at baseline, after atherectomy, and after adjunctive balloon angioplasty. Angiographic and IVUS core labs analyzed the images.

RESULTS

Mean age was 70.6 ± 8.0 years. Diabetes and claudication were present in 60% and 73%, respectively. Mean baseline, post-atherectomy, and post-adjunctive angioplasty stenosis severity was 71.4%, 38.1%, and 19.7%, respectively (P<.001 for both baseline vs post atherectomy and post atherectomy vs adjunctive angioplasty). Lesion length was 108.5 ± 43.1 mm. Forty-six dissections were identified on IVUS post atherectomy vs 8 dissections on angiogram (P<.01) (ratio, 5.75 to 1). Post adjunctive angioplasty, there were 39 dissections on IVUS vs 11 on angiogram (P<.01) (ratio, 3.55 to 1). Of these dissections, 13% and 30.8% were ≥180° in circumference post atherectomy and adjunctive balloon angioplasty, respectively (P=.047). Also, 39.1% and 33.3% involved the media and/or adventitia as seen on IVUS post atherectomy and adjunctive balloon angioplasty, respectively (P=.58). Longer lesions correlated with more dissections post atherectomy on IVUS (P=.03), but not on angiogram (P=.28).

CONCLUSION

Dissections post atherectomy are grossly under-appreciated on angiogram when compared to IVUS. A multicenter registry correlating these findings with clinical outcomes is needed.

Location of the Popliteal Artery in Knee Extension on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The goal of this study was to define the course of the popliteal artery (PA) and determine any variability among different patient demographics; by identifying risk factors for injury, surgeons can decrease patient morbidity and mortality. Ninety-four adult magnetic resonance imaging studies of the knee were reviewed. In extension, the artery is at most 7.87 mm posterior and 4.83 mm lateral to the midline below the tibial plateau. Proximally, the artery is more anterior and midline. With increasing body mass indexes, the artery is more posterior at any level. At the femur, 1 cm above the distal articular surface, the artery was more posterior in younger patients; 1 cm below the joint line, it was more posterior in elder patients. Attention should be given during total knee arthroplasty, revision surgery, lateral meniscal repair, posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, high tibial osteotomy, and fixation of tibial tubercle fractures. Proximally, the PA is more anterior and midline, placing it at significant risk during these procedures. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 27(4):325-328, 2018).

[Degenerative alterations of the afferent artery in long-functioning arteriovenous fistula]

Discussed in the article is the literature data on the background, causes, and mechanisms of the development of degenerative aneurysmatic transformation of the afferent artery in a long-functioning arteriovenous fistula. This is followed by presenting two own clinical case reports concerning the development of pronounced dilatation of arteries during 13 and 25 years of the existence of posttraumatic arteriovenous anastomoses, with a detailed description of the variants of surgical treatment of these patients.

Open repair of intraoperative popliteal artery injury during total knee arthroplasty in a patient with severe hemophilia A: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Arterial injuries during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) though rare may occur. Hemophilia may further challenge the management of such injury.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 48-year-old male patient with severe hemophilia type A and stiff knee arthropathy underwent bilateral TKAs. Left popliteal artery injury was detected at the end of the left TKA.

DIAGNOSES

Urgent angiography confirmed the diagnosis of the left popliteal artery transection.

INTERVENTIONS

With clotting factor VIII replacement treatment, open repair was performed by end-to-end vascular bypass with the autograft of the large saphenous vein. No anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment was administered postoperatively. Doses of the factor VIII were decreased step by step postoperatively.

OUTCOMES

Left lower limb was reperfused 4 hours after the onset of the ischemia. The patient recovered uneventfully. Postoperative Doppler examination showed the left popliteal artery remained patent.

LESSONS

The hemophilia may endanger the patients to higher risk of arterial injury during TKA because of the severe deformity and fibrosis around knee joint. For the hemophilia patients, with rational coagulation factor replacement therapy, open repair with autograft was an effective revascularization procedure for artery injury.

Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm Caused by Osteochondroma

A 16-year-old boy developed pulsating pain and dysesthesia in his right knee. Computed tomography showed a large aneurysm in the right upper popliteal artery and a spiked bone tumor arising from the right distal femoral shaft. Pseudoaneurysm due to osteochondroma was suspected, and the patient underwent emergency surgery. A 2-mm pinhole was detected in the arterial wall behind the tumor. After resection of the tumor, the damaged arterial wall was removed, and the defect was repaired using a saphenous vein patch. We suggest that patch repair is preferable to direct closure or end-to-end anastomosis to prevent recurrent pseudoaneurysm at a later time, even if the defect is small.

[Post-traumatic concomitant popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula]

Popliteal injuries are well known to be serious with a high rate of mortality due to damage caused to popliteal vessels. Pseudoaneurysm formation and arteriovenous fistulas are well-known complications of arterial injury, but are rarely concomitant. Diagnosis is usually done by computed tomography (CT) angiography. Treatment strategies consist of surgery or endovascular management. We report the surgical treatment of two cases of popliteal arteriovenous fistula associated with pseudoaneurysm complicating stab wounds.

Popliteal artery dissection presented 12 hours after admission for a Salter III fracture of proximal tibia

A 16-year-old boy sustained a salter III fracture of the upper tibia following a motorcycle accident. Except for well localized knee pain, the patient did not have any other symptom. Repeated clinical examination did not reveal any absent peripheral pulse. Given the state of the fracture, anatomical reduction and screw fixation was planned in the operating room.  Twelve hours after admission the patient was taken to the operating room. During the period preceding surgery he continued to have normal vascular clinical examinations. Further clinical assessment was performed in the operating room and remained to be normal. However after induction and upon extension of the lower limb, peripheral pulses in the affected side were abruptly lost. Urgent vascular exploration of the area showed a popliteal artery dissection necessitating a bypass graft to restore blood flow.  We present a review of the literature alongside a case report showing how popliteal artery pathology in a similar context can present late and be for a period of time clinically undetectable.

Arterial Injuries Associated with Blunt Fractures in the Lower Extremity

Problems related to the combination of an arterial injury and a blunt fracture in the lower extremity are well known-delayed diagnosis, damaged soft tissue, and high amputation rate. The actual incidence of this injury pattern is, however, unknown. The purposes of this study were to determine the current incidence of named arterial injuries in patients with blunt fractures in the lower extremities and assess potential associated risk factors. This was a 7-year (2007-2013) retrospective review of patients ≥18 years with blunt lower extremity fractures at a Level I trauma center. Fracture location and concomitant arterial injury were determined and patients stratified by age, gender, and injury velocity. Low injury velocity was defined as falls or assaults, whereas an injury secondary to a motorized vehicle was defined as high velocity. A total of 4413 patients (mean age 52.2 years, 54.3% male, mean Injury Severity Score 13.1) were identified. Forty-six patients (1.04%) had arterial injuries (20.4% common femoral, 8.2% superficial femoral, 44.9% popliteal, and 26.5% shank). After stratifying by age and injury velocity, younger age was associated with a significantly higher rate of vascular injury. For high-velocity injuries, there was no difference based on age. In conclusion, the prevalence of arterial injury after blunt lower extremity fractures is 1.04 per cent in our study. A significant paradoxical relationship exists between age and associated arterial injuries in patients with low-velocity injuries. If these data are confirmed in future studies, a low index of suspicion in patients >55 years after falls is appropriate.

Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication after total knee arthroplasty. Early recognition is imperative in its management to prevent the subsequent development of compartment syndrome and soft tissue ischemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rate, recognition, and management of symptomatic popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm after total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

Between January 2004 and October 2014, 7937 consecutive total knee arthroplasties were identified from the Theatre Management (Ormis) System and cross-referenced against 1304 radiology reports containing the key words "popliteal" and "aneurysm' identified from the Patient Archiving Communication System.

RESULTS

Seven patients (0.088%) were found to have had a symptomatic popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm. The median (range) interval between total knee arthroplasty and the radiological diagnosis of a pseudoaneurysm was 15 (7-27) days. Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed on duplex imaging (n = 4), arteriogram (n = 2), and computed tomography angiogram (n = 1). Fasciotomies were undertaken in 3 patients.

CONCLUSION

The complication rate of popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm was comparable to the literature. Recognition was identified as a problem. An appreciation of the mechanisms of injury and an awareness of this potential complication among orthopedic surgeons are imperative in reducing the complication rate and interval to diagnosis. Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with a clinical presentation of postoperative compartment syndrome or deep vein thrombosis, and examination of the popliteal pulse should be undertaken early.

Arteriovenous Fistula Formation After Intra-articular Injection Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

Intra-articular joint capsule injection is a common method used to control postoperative pain as a result of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It is generally considered a safe practice and is highly effective in reducing the need for postoperative opioid administration as well as decreasing recovery time through early mobilization. However, any injection into the posterior knee space has the potential to injure the vascular structures surrounding the knee. Iatrogenic formation of an arteriovenous fistula is a rare complication after TKA, and there are no reported cases of arteriovenous fistula formation as a direct result of intra-articular injection. This case report describes this complication that occurred several days after TKA. The patient had acute pain and swelling in the treated leg. An arteriovenous fistula of the popliteal artery and vein was identified with bilateral Doppler ultrasound and confirmed by angiogram. The most likely inciting event for the formation of the arteriovenous fistula was intra-articular injection of bupivacaine, which likely pierced the popliteal artery and vein, allowing the formation of the patent channel. The patient was treated successfully with stent placement through interventional radiology. Orthopedic surgeons performing intra-articular injections of the knee should refamiliarize themselves with the anatomy and location of the popliteal artery, use smaller-gauge needles, and aspirate the syringe before the injection to decrease the risk of iatrogenic damage to the vasculature or fistula formation. [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):e976-e979.].

The Significance of Medial Sural Artery Integrity in Popliteal Artery Trauma: A Case Report

Two patients with popliteal artery trauma who underwent secondary amputations due to refractory calf sepsis despite a patent arterial repair are presented in this case report. The medial sural artery, the main arterial supply of the medial head of the gastrocnemius, was surgically severed in both patients owing to the use of a continuous medial incision from the supra level to infragenicular level. The compromised arterial supply of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle may have contributed to the devitalization of the muscle and the subsequent calf sepsis, and it is speculated that this was related to the unfavorable outcome.

Emergency Room Arteriography: An Updated Digital Technology

Background:

Emergency room arteriography (ERA) is a safe, accurate, simple and cost-effective method of defining arterial injuries. Limitations include the difficulty of evaluating limb vasculature distal to the suspected site of injury. Statscan is a novel, low-dose digital X-ray machine that can rapidly obtain a whole body image in a single scan. Our goal was to evaluate the role of Statscan technology in ERA.

Methods:

A 24 month retrospective review of all patients who underwent a Statscan assisted ERA at the Groote Schuur Hospital Trauma Unit was completed. Indications for ERA included a hemodynamically stable patient with hard signs of a vascular injury in conjunction with the clinical assessment of a threatened limb. Contraindications encompassed instability, massive bleeding or a rapidly expanding hematoma.

Results:

Ten patients underwent Statscan assisted ERA of their lower limbs. Eight had cold, pulseless limbs with impaired neurological examinations. Common femoral, superficial femoral and popliteal artery lacerations were displayed. Three patients had no identifiable injury and were observed. Seven patients underwent operative management for threatened limbs. Two had Statscan evidence of arterial emboli distal to the site of injury leading to further exploration and distal embolectomy.

Conclusions:

Statscan ERA is safe, rapid, simple and accurate. It has the advantage of providing arteriography distal to the site of injury. This directly altered patient care in 20% of cases, primarily by detecting distal arterial emboli. Thirty percent of patients with normal ERA also avoided an unnecessary operation. This study demonstrates a new role for Statscan technology.

Indirect Popliteal Artery Transections in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty A Case Report

Popliteal artery injury in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is rare but a devastating complication with consequence from transient bleeding to death. We report a case of 83-yearold woman suffering from an unusual early postoperative indirect popliteal artery transection in revision TKA for an infected knee. This injury was triggered by surgical correction of stiffened and distorted soft tissue, which resulted in excessive tensioning and eventual indirect transection of the artery. To avoid this devastating complication, early elimination of infection concomitant with perioperative maintenance of the normal anatomy of the knee is important.

Knee dislocation and vascular injury: 4 year experience at a UK Major Trauma Centre and vascular hub

INTRODUCTION

Knee dislocation is a rare but potentially devastating injury. Quoted rates of associated vascular compromise vary dramatically between 3.3% and 64%, and the best approach to investigate and diagnose such an injury remains controversial. We aim to evaluate our own 4-year experience of knee dislocation and vascular injury as a UK Major Trauma Centre and vascular hub.

METHODS

Knee dislocation was defined as disruption of at least two major stabilising ligaments of the knee and gross instability requiring an operation. Patients were identified from the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics patient database across a 4 year period from 2010 to 2014. Electronic patient records, imaging and hard notes were retrieved and reviewed retrospectively and relevant information recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-five cases of knee dislocation were identified. Male to female ratio was 11.5:1 with a mean age of 33 years (range 17-71). One patient had a vascular injury which ultimately required a femoro-popliteal bypass graft. Twenty-four patients had documented examination findings pertaining to the vascular status of the limb. Seventeen patients had specific reference to the presence or absence of pedal pulses. The remaining seven cases were documented as either "warm well perfused" or "neurovascularly in-tact". Nine patients were discharged directly from the emergency department with outpatient follow up. All admitted cases had documented vascular examination findings the following day. Two patients had additional adjunctive non-invasive investigations. No patients were examined with duplex ultrasound, although two patients had pulses confirmed with hand-held doppler ultrasound. Three patients had an angiogram. Four cases have a documented discussion with or review from a vascular surgeon.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our rates of vascular injury are in line with the most recent and largest study to date. Non-invasive investigation and selective angiography has been safe in identifying significant vascular compromise, however, there is inconsistency in management pathways, and too much reassurance attributed to the presence of pedal pulses on initial examination. Safety and consistency could be improved with the introduction of a formalised evidence-based protocol for the initial evaluation of knee dislocation and vascular injury.

[A painful right knee after a motorcycle accident]

A 48-year-old male presented with a painful right knee after a motorcycle accident. Peripheral pulsations in the lower right leg were absent. X-ray indicated a dislocation of the knee. Additional CT-scan revealed a dissection of the popliteal artery. Surgical exploration revealed extensive vascular, neurological and ligamentar damage.

Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm: an unusual complication of tibial traction

Traction pins are an essential tool in the orthopedic surgeon's armamentarium. Historically a definitive treatment for some fractures, they are mainly used as a temporizing measure today. Despite their frequent use and relative simplicity, traction pins can have complications, many of which can be subtle and easily overlooked. Here we report on an unusual complication that was difficult to diagnose but caused significant morbidity before being diagnosed and treated. Pseudoaneurysms can cause a range of symptoms and usually present as a painful, tender, pulsatile mass, but in this instance the popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm presented as chronic, painful lower extremity swelling. With diagnosis and treatment, the patient's symptoms resolved. We discuss the complications associated with traction-pin placement.

[Early diagnosis and treatment for trauma around the knee with popliteal vascular injury]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the early diagnosis and treatment for trauma around the knee with popliteal vascular injury.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was employed to analyze the clinical data from 15 patients (9 males and 6 females were with a mean age of 39.2 years old,ranging from 26 to 62 years old) with fracture or dislocation around the knee with popliteal vascular injury from January 2007 to January 2013. Combined with clinical symptoms and signs, oxygen saturation monitors, color ultrasound, DSA angiography and interventional surgery were used to determine the vascular injury. The knee fracture and dislocation were fixed with hybrid external fixation and plate-screw fixation, respectively. Then, the blood circulation was reconstructed by thrombectomy, repair and autologous vein graft for individual injured vascular. The average total operation time, average hospitalization days, predictive salvage index (PSI), average blood transfusion amount, average medical expenses and infection cases were recorded to determine the effect of early diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS

There was one patient with death, 8 patients with amputation, and 6 patients with successful repair surgery for popliteal artery, anterior tibial and posterior tibial arteries. These six patients with surviving limbs were followed up for an average of 28.3 months (ranged, 12 to 60 months). Among the 6 successful patients, the joint function of 4 patients was good and excellent.

CONCLUSION

The trauma around the knee with popliteal vascular injury is characterized by complex and serious injury, easy misdiagnosis and loss diagnosis, poor prognosis and high risk of amputation. The early diagnosis of trauma around the knee with popliteal vascular injury should depend on the mechanism of trauma, local anatomical characteristics of injury site, clinical presentations and appropriate auxiliary examinations. The appropriate indications for limb salvage and amputation should be used to achieve more effective clinical results.

Reconstruction of Heel With Propeller Flap in Postfasciotomy and Popliteal Artery Revascularization State

Free flaps are still the gold standard for large defects of the lower limb, but propeller perforator flaps have become a simpler and faster alternative to free flaps because of some advantages such as reliable vascular pedicle, wide mobilization and rotation, great freedom in design, low donor site morbidity, and easy harvest with no requirement for anastomosis. But when the vessels show insufficient findings in preoperative evaluation using a Doppler probe or the vessel is injured, the surgeon should avoid performing free flap surgery to prevent flap failure and should select a propeller perforator flap as an alternative method on the condition that more than one perforator is intact. In this study, we report reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the heel with a pedicled propeller flap in postfasciotomy and popliteal artery revascularization state by making an incision on the central portion above the Achilles tendon, which can be covered by the posterior tibial artery perforator or the peroneal artery perforator based flaps. In conclusion, we showed that although the popliteal artery was injured, the soft tissue defect can be reconstructed using a perforator propeller flap if intact distal flow in the anastomosis site was confirmed.

A simple method to minimize vascular lesion of the popliteal artery by guidewire during transtibial posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cadaveric study

PURPOSE

To compare the outside-in transtibial lateral and medial approaches for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction regarding the guidewires and popliteal artery integrity.

METHODS

Twenty-two human cadaveric knees were used. A PCL tibial aimer was arthroscopically placed within the PCL footprint through the anteromedial portal for the medial approach and through the anterolateral portal for the lateral approach. For the medial approach, the drill guide was introduced through the anteromedial tibial cortex and the guidewire was advanced with the reamer beyond the posterior tibial cortex. For the lateral approach, the drill guide was introduced through the anterolateral tibial cortex and the guidewire was advanced with the reamer beyond the posterior tibial cortex. After this, the knee was dissected. The depth distance (DD) was defined as the distance between the popliteal artery and the tibial posterior cortex projected at the tibial level at which the guidewire intersected or passed by the artery. The guidewire travel distance was calculated as the distance the guidewire had to advance beyond the tibial cortex to intersect the popliteal artery or pass by it.

RESULTS

With the medial approach, the popliteal artery was intersected in all knees with a mean DD of 12.20 mm and a mean guidewire travel distance of 15.90 mm. With the lateral approach, the popliteal artery was not intersected in any knee; its mean medial distance from the artery was 4.8 mm at a DD of 10.05 mm. There was a significant difference in the popliteal artery intersection incidence and DD between both groups (P < .0001 and P = .0003, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The transtibial lateral approach for PCL reconstruction was a safer method than the medial approach regarding popliteal artery injury by a guidewire.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study presents a slight modification of the most frequently used PCL reconstruction technique, intending to minimize guidewire injury to the popliteal artery.

A multidisciplinary approach to a complex case of lower limb trauma

INTRODUCTION

Blunt trauma of the popliteal fossa is an uncommon cause of lower limb ischemia and it is associated with a high risk for limb loss.

REPORT

The case of a young man with anterior dislocation of the right knee joint causing post-traumatic popliteal artery occlusion and severe lower limb ischemia is reported.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge we first report a multidisciplinary approach involving the vascular and plastic surgical teams to treat a wide soft tissue damage after a blunt injury to the popliteal artery.

Popliteal artery injury associated with total knee arthroplasty: trends, costs and risk factors

Popliteal artery injury is a relatively rare but potentially devastating complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2009 to determine the actual incidence, risk factors and consequences of this complication. There were 1,120,508 hospitalizations coded for TKA; of these, 633 (0.057%) were identified as having a popliteal artery injury. The rate of injury remained relatively constant though the number of both TKAs and injuries have risen annually by 0.65% and 0.5%, respectively. Significant risk factors included revision surgery, peripheral vascular disease, weight loss, renal failure, coagulopathy, and metastatic cancer. Consequences were increased hospital charges, length of stay, and mortality rates. Because the rate of popliteal artery injury is not diminishing with time and morbidity and mortality are high, patients should be assessed for known risk factors for popliteal artery injury.

[Vascular injury as a complication of knee arthroscopic surgery. Report of two cases and review of the literature]

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopy of the knee is a surgical performed world-wide considered extremely safe, rates of complication ranging from 0.56 to 8.2%. Vascular complications are even more rare (0.0032%), and generally related to the popliteal artery injury.

CLINICAL CASE

We are reporting the cases of two patients who had unsuspected vascular complications after arthroscopy. Both cases presented vascular injuries after elective knee arthroscopy. First case was a patient with thrombosed pseudoaneurysm in the popliteal artery and total section of the popliteal vein, unfortunately the diagnosis was done 72 hrs after knee arthroscopy and finally required amputation, the 2nd case presented popliteal arteriovenous fistula, the diagnosis was done 3 weeks after knee arthroscopy, the patient was successfully treated by resection of the fistula and direct repair of the artery and vein.

CONCLUSIONS

Although extremely infrequent, the vascular injury after knee arthroscopy should be remembered as a surgical complication, a low index of suspicion may have caused an unfortunate and untimely delay in diagnosis and treatment with potential risk of leg amputation and death.

[Anatomic features of posterior septum of knee joint and its application in posterior trans-septal portal for arthroscopic surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the anatomic features of the posterior septum of the knee joint and its application in posterior trans-septal portal for arthroscopic surgery.

METHODS

The literature related to posterior septum of the knee joint and arthroscopic surgery was extensively reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

The posterior septum of the knee joint has more mechanoreceptors and blood vessels in the upper part, which are close to arteria popliteal at the tibial plateau level; the posterior compartment is divided into wider posteromedial and narrower posterolateral compartments. A safe arthroscopic trans-septal portal is established, in the knee flexion of 90 degrees, in a lateral-to-medial direction, and with an inserting location below the middle of posterior septum.

CONCLUSION

The establishment method of posterior trans-septal portal is not uniform and all the features of posterior septum should be considered to decrease the complications.

[Application of the device for local compression of injured magistral arteries of the extremities]

External hemorrhage of extremities wounds is the leading cause of soldiers' death on the battlefield. In these cases control of massive arterial bleeding require not only prompt and effective measures, but also safety procedure. We assessed on volunteers the effectiveness, application time and pain intensity during the use of construction powerful quick-grip one-handed bar clamp. In results we found that the use of improvised quick-grip clamp for hemorrhage control in axillary and popliteal areas stops arterial blood flow in an extremity in all cases proven by Doppler ultrasound examination. Application time in axillary zone was 15.3 +/- 5.2 sec, in popliteal area--27.3 +/- 8.0 sec. In the groin area, the use of this improvised device was not effective due to technical characteristics (small distance between the main frame and the pressure surfaces). There do appear to be sufficient reasons to design the universal clamp for hemorrhage control from the wounds of junctional zones as well as proximal segments of extremities on Advanced Trauma Management stage and also for civilian prehospital emergency care.

[Urgent pedal bypass as part of the treatment of an extensive lower-leg injury]

The authors present the case of a subadventitial rupture of the popliteal artery and devastating injury to the crural arteries due to a crush injury to the proximal shank. The arterial injury was treated by urgent popliteo-pedal bypass grafting. Besides the surgical procedure, the authors also discuss revascularisation syndrome. The subadventitial rupture of the popliteal artery is a serious condition associated with a risk of high amputation.

[Case study with a gunshot fracture of lower extremities and damage of popliteal artery (case report)]

Severe vascular gunshot injury (popliteal artery damage) and fractures of both low extremities are causes traumatic shock (stage III) and anemia in a 32 years female patient. Being the victim of crime, the patient for 5 hours was in a life-threatening condition that could develop the multiple organ system failure (MOSF) as a result of tissue ischemia and reperfusion and acute irreversible shock. There was an urgent necessity to perform three immediate operations at the same time. Successful recovery required rapid control of the inciting event (i.e., maintenance of effective hemodynamic stability and the body's ability to protect its vital organs, choice of the type of anesthesia with certain anesthetics) facilitated by resuscitative therapy directed toward minimizing the overall "dose" of shock. Oxybutirate sodium (a GABA analog, the only one narcotic drug and a natural metabolite of body) administered intravenously as a hypnotic agent and an important component of intensive care as well have had clearly anti-shock and antihypoxant effects. Rapid improving of circulation and using of medications with wide range of anti-stress action (such as oxybutirate sodium, dexamethazone and glucose) assisted successful resuscitation and possibility to perform three operations (duration: 6 hours and 45 minutes). An increasing emphasis was being placed on prevention of MOSF, including 1) maintenance of tissue oxygenation; 2) using above-mentioned anti-stress and antihypoxant medicines with mutually supportive effects and 3) infection control.

Popliteal artery injuries in an urban trauma center with a rural catchment area: do delays in definitive treatment affect amputation?

Extended length of time from injury to definitive vascular repair is considered to be a predictor of amputation in patients with popliteal artery injuries. In an urban trauma center with a rural catchment area, logistical issues frequently result in treatment delays, which may affect limb salvage after vascular trauma. We examined how known risk factors for amputation after popliteal trauma are affected in a more rural environment, where patients often experience delays in definitive surgical treatment. All adult patients admitted to the Level I trauma center, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, with a popliteal artery injury between January 2000 and December of 2007 were identified. Demographic information management and outcome data were collected. Body mass index, mangled extremity severity score (MESS), Guistilo open fracture score, injury severity score, and time from injury to vascular repair were examined. Fifty-one patients with popliteal artery injuries (53% blunt and 47% penetrating) were identified, all undergoing operative repair. There were nine amputations (17.6%) and one death. Patients requiring amputation had a higher MESS, 7.8 versus 5.3 (P < 0.01), and length of stay, 43 versus 15 days (P < 0.01), compared with those with successful limb salvage. Body mass index, injury severity score, Guistilo open fracture score, or time from injury to repair were not different between the two groups. Patients with a blunt mechanism of injury had a slightly higher amputation rate compared with those with penetrating trauma, 25.9 per cent versus 8.3 per cent (P = non significant). MESS, though not perfect, is the best predictor of amputation in patients with popliteal artery injuries. Morbid obesity is not a significant predictor for amputation in patients with popliteal artery injuries. Time from injury to repair of greater than 6 hours was not predictive of amputation. This study further demonstrates that a single scoring system should be used with caution when determining the need for lower extremity amputation.

[Trampoline accident with anterior knee dislocation caused popliteal artery disruption]

Only a few reports describe the risk of neurovascular damage following knee dislocation while trampolining. A 16 year-old male in a trampoline accident, sustained multi-ligament damage and occlusion of the popliteal artery. The occlusion did not show clinically until 24 hours after the trauma. He underwent vascular surgery (short saphenous bypass). We recommend implementing algorithms, for the management of suspected knee dislocation and possible accompanying neurovascular injuries in all trauma centers.

Vascular injury involving proximal medial-to-lateral oblique locking screw insertion in tibial intramedullary nailing

Orthopaedic surgeons have reported increased neurologic complications with the employment of next-generation tibial nail fixation with variable proximal and distal locking options. However, vascular injury due to oblique screw placement has not been documented. We describe a case in which a medial-to-lateral oblique locking screw led to significant vascular injury. The judicious use of these screws and their relative contribution to fracture stability should be carefully considered for individual cases. Additionally, drill penetration through the far tibial cortex may not be obvious and utilizing oscillation or reverse drilling techniques may be of benefit. Lastly, the forward thrust of the popliteal artery with the use of a positioning bump in the popliteal fossa may place the vascular structure at increased risk of injury. Employing means to avoid these injuries and minimize risks in pertinent patients is of utmost importance.

Endovascular graft bail-out post reconstruction of popliteal artery injury. First case report

A male patient who sustained a blunt trauma to the right knee and chest resulting in posterior dislocation of the knee joint and avulsion injury to the right popliteal artery (segments II and III) had a vascular repair by interposition saphenous vein graft. Postoperatively an episode of hypotension resulted in thrombotic occlusion of the graft and acute limb ischemia. Graft and distal thrombectomy, though successful, resulted in a stenotic segment with two perforations. To shorten the operating time this was managed by Viabahn Endoprothesis stent-graft through both native popliteal artery and vein graft. Immediate regain of pedal pulses was achieved, and at 6 months follow up Viabahn endograft is still patent, foot well perfused with normal pedal pulses and patient fully active. In complicated popliteal artery injuries, with complex time consuming revascularization procedures, an endovascular graft as a back up or bail-out technique might be a valid option in some selected cases with high anesthetic risk, to shorten operating time. In this context Viabahn endoprosthesis seems to be both efficient and durable on the short term.

Versatility of Taylor Spatial Frame in Gustilo-Anderson III C femoral fractures: report of three cases

Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) combines a multiplanar external fixator and software accuracy for reduction of acute long-bone fractures. The frame gives stability, soft-tissue preservation, adjustability and functionality allowing bone to realize its full osteogenic potential. Three patients with multiple injuries and femoral Gustilo-Anderson type III C have been treated in our center. Initial surgery was performed within 6 h of injury with help of vascular surgeon. We used TSF as definitive fixation method. The results were assessed using the functional and radiological scoring system described by Paley and Maar. Fracture union occurred in all limbs and average fixation time was 151.6 days. All three patients had excellent outcome in terms of bony and functional ASAMI criteria. The TSF is a valuable tool. It is a definitive method of femoral Gustilo-Anderson type III C fracture care using external fixation with several advantages over previously used devices.

Vascular injury associated with blunt trauma without dislocation of the knee

Failure to recognize popliteal artery injury and restore vessel continuity of flow after blunt trauma is a major cause of lower extremity amputation and morbidity. A high index of suspicion and early recognition of the injury are paramount for limb salvage. We experienced a rare case of poplitial artery occlusion with the presence of arterial pulses due to collateral circulation after blunt trauma. Expeditious revascularization was achieved by using posterior approach, allowing two surgical teams to work simultaneously. This case illustrates that, even in the absence of knee dislocation, surgeons must always consider the possibility of a popliteal artery damage whenever a blunt trauma near the knee.

[The treatment of knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with vascular injury]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and influence factors on knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with an associated vascular injury through retrospectively study.

METHODS

From March 2002 to November 2007 31 patients with knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with an associated vascular injury were treated, including 24 males and 7 females with a mean age of 41 years (range from 21 to 62 years). Definite diagnosis of vascular injury by combining colored ultrasonic, CTA, operative exploration with clinical signs, fixing fractures and/or dislocations with fixators, plates and screws, reconstructing blood circulation based on the condition of the vascular injury by vascular repair, homograft vein or artificial vascular grafting separately and analysing the effects of PSI, diagnosis and treatment methods on salvage lower extremities.

RESULTS

Successful reconstruction was carried out in 31 cases, however there were 1 death because of mult-fractures and brain injury and 6 amputation, 24 cases successful salvage followed up mean 24.2 months, 6 cases bone nonunion and infected bone defect were cured by delayed bone planting or bone transportation. Ligaments repair reconstruction of 7 cases knee joint dislocation were done in delayed 3 or 4 weeks after first operation, the good functional rate was 71.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients of PSI under 10 grades in knee joint peripheral fractures and/or dislocations with an associated vascular injury should been carried out treatment, early definite diagnosis and blood circulation reconstruction are the key factors of successful salvage treatment.

[Clinical diagnosis and treatment of superior tibial fracture complicating with crotch injury of distal popliteal artery]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effects of treatment for superior tibial fracture complicating with crotch injury of distal popliteal artery by an alternative micro-surgical operation.

METHODS

During Feb. 2002 to Oct. 2007, there were 19 patients with superior tibial fracture complicating with crotch injury of distal popliteal artery included 15 males and 4 females aged from 21 to 48 years (means 35 years). There were 6 cases complicating with fracture of tibial plateau, 3 cases complicating with nerve injury. The tibial fracture were fixed with external fixator and the anterior tibial artery and vein and posterior tibial artery and vein were treated by transplantable great saphenous vein (Y-shape) combined with windowing for interosseous membrane by the posterior and anterolateral incision. Evaluations of clinical effect were performed according to Rasmussen functional score system.

RESULTS

All patients survived after operation. All fracture achieved bony union, the union time was from 3 to 14 months (means 5.5 months). All patients were followed-up for from 8 to 23 months (means 13 months). The mean Rasmussen functional score was (27.0 + 2.9). The results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 7, and fair in 1.

CONCLUSION

The surgical exploration should be done as soon as possible when diagnosis of injuries of large arteries is definite or highly suspected. Simultaneous reconstruction of both posterior tibial artery and anterior tibial artery associated with vein can reduce the rate of disability and recover function of limb.