Vascular complications in injuries about the knee joint.

In 1,377 patients who had severe injuries about the knee joint, vascular complications were present in 28 (2%). Injuries to the popliteal artery or its branches present serious problems. Amputation was necessary in 13 patients, and 12 patients had a Volkmann's syndrome. In fractures of the lower end of the femur or upper end of the tibia, and in knee dislocations, the importance of early diagnosis of the acute ischemic syndrome cannot be overemphasized. Tibial plateau fractures produced the highest percentage of vascular complications and indicate immediate application of therapeutic measures.