Injury to the popliteal vessels: the Lebanese war experience.

Our experience with 118 patients who underwent surgery for a total of 178 popliteal vessels injuries is reported. Forty-nine per cent had injury to both artery and vein and 44% had associated bony fractures. Fourteen patients subsequently needed amputation for a rate of 11.9%. There were no deaths. Delay in repair (> 6 hours from injury), associated fractures, and a shocked condition resulted in increased limb loss. Arterial as well as venous repair, external skeletal fixation, and fasciotomy when necessary lead to improved limb salvage.