Civilian traumatic vascular injuries of the upper extremity:report of the Iranian national trauma project.
OBJECTIVE
The determination of the pattern of traumatic vascular injuries of the upper extremity in Iran was the aim of this study.


METHODS
Data of the Iranian national trauma project were used to identify patients with upper extremity vascular injuries. This project was conducted in 8 major cities from 2000-2004.


RESULTS
A total of 113 cases with 130 vascular injuries were found, including 2 axillary, 18 brachial, and 69 radial and ulnar arteries. In 91 cases (81%), penetrating trauma was responsible. Associated nerve and/or upper extremity fractures were seen in 20% and 18% of cases, respectively. End-to-end anastomosis, interposition of saphenous graft, and ligation were used for the management of 44%, 28%, and 17%, respectively, of brachial artery injuries. Ulnar and radial artery injuries had been either ligated (n = 36; 52%) or sutured (n = 33; 48%). Median, ulnar, and radial nerve injuries, except for one, had all been sutured primarily. No patients needed fasciotomy. Amputation and mortality resulting from associated injuries occurred in 3 (2.6%) and 5 (4.4%) patients, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed that stabbings are the most frequent causes of these injuries in Iran, in spite of the management of patients in level 3 trauma centers; the rate of amputation is acceptable. However, this study does not provide limb functions of the patients.
Rasouli
Mohammad R
MR
Department of Vascular Surgery and Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Moini
Majid
M
Khaji
Ali
A
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000293:injuries*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008026:Ligation; D023821:Limb Salvage; D011859:Radiography; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000601:surgery