Blunt popliteal artery injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To survey the recent results of vascular damage resulting from knee injuries at Middlemore Hospital.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Unless revascularisation is quickly achieved popliteal artery damage associated with knee injuries will lead to frequent leg amputation.
Auckland Hospital.
L
L
Smith
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery