Blunt popliteal artery injuries.

AIMS: To survey the recent results of vascular damage resulting from knee injuries at Middlemore Hospital.

METHOD: A group of sixteen patients treated between 1980-92 were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

One patient failed a grafting procedure and required a below knee amputation. Another patient lost two muscle compartments with its associated disability, as a result of pressure necrosis from the acute compartment syndrome. The remaining patients were successfully revascularised.

CONCLUSION

Unless revascularisation is quickly achieved popliteal artery damage associated with knee injuries will lead to frequent leg amputation.