Ipsilateral retrograde arterial contrast injection in unilateral lower extremity trauma.

Angiographic evaluation must be prompt in an injured patient with a threatened limb, marginal hemodynamic stability, or severe concomitant trauma. Nine patients with unilateral distal lower extremity trauma and suspected arterial injury were evaluated using retrograde contrast injection within the ipsilateral external iliac artery followed by distal serial filming. On the average, this technique used approximately 25 to 30 minutes less time than more conventional approaches.