[Vascular traumatisms of the limbs in children. Report of 94 cases].

Ninety-four cases of limb vascular traumas were observed in children during a 25 year-period. Treatment was done less than 12 hours after the injury in 83 cases, later than 24 hours in 7 cases. Superior limbs were more often concerned than inferior limbs: 65 vs 29 cases. Bone lesions were found in 34% of cases, articular lesion in 12% and neurological lesions in 40%. Vascular repair was necessary in 63 cases, mostly by suture (41 cases) or venous graft (16 cases). Two patients died because of associated polytrauma. In 8 cases, anatomical and functional results are good, but follow-up is short. In 65 cases, results were initially satisfactory; 5 patients had later complications leading to sequelae in 3 cases. In 19 cases complications occurred and led to amputation in 5 cases; among the remaining 14 patients, results were finally satisfactory in 9 cases and sequelae were observed in 4 cases. Early diagnosis problems and treatment are discussed. Associated lesions have to be taken into account to assess the results.