Popliteal artery injury in Kuwait.

While there is an abundant literature on popliteal artery injury secondary to penetrating trauma, few reports deal with popliteal artery injury caused by severe blunt trauma with or without fracture. Eight cases of popliteal artery injury are described. Seven of the patients had sustained blunt trauma, usually resulting also in damage to bone and soft tissues. The popliteal vein was involved in five of the injuries. The time lag between causal trauma and vascular repair averaged 25 hours. Delay was due mainly to failure to consult the vascular surgeon at an early stage. Leg amputation was necessary in two cases. Two patients died. The importance of early recognition of the vascular injury and appropriate surgical measures was illustrated in this small series of patients from a developing Middle Eastern country. Adequate fasciotomy, venous repair, use of intraoperative Doppler and repeated postoperative débridement are discussed in connection with management.