Popliteal arterial traumas: prognosis factors: multi-center prospective study apropos of 40 cases.

Forty cases of arterial popliteal traumas occurring in the course of 1992 were collected by 20 centers. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate a preoperative prognosis score suggested by Crolais from a retrospective study. Five clinical criteria are taken in account to establish the score: delay, degree of ischemia, contusion, general condition of the patient and wound apperture. Each of the criteria is affected by a progressive note according to the gravity. Analysis of our series confirms the seriousness of this pathology: one death, 8 major amputations and 50% of morbidity. The statistical analysis of pre-operative score and post-operative recovery confirms the existence of three groups at progressive risk: Low risk, score < 30 points. Revascularization must be done. Post-operative recovery is simple. Average risk, score is between 31 and 50 points. Revascularization must be done. Post-operative recovery is particularly simple as the delay before revascularisation will be short and systematic fasciotomies will be done. Major risk, score > 50 points. An amputation must be carried out.